The Toronto Maple Leafs begun preseason action this weekend with a two game home-and-home series against the Ottawa Senators. The Leafs took game one, enjoying goals from four different skaters. However, points were harder to come by in Tuesday night’s exhibition, losing 3-2 on an overtime winner.
The star of the night was undoubtedly newcomer Matias Maccelli. Maccelli was ran out of Utah after the team made it apparent that they wanted to move on from the young winger after their inaugural season. The Leafs sent a conditional third round pick their way and in return received a skater that is making a strong case for a first line spot on a Stanley Cup hopeful.
Tonight was Maccelli’s first chance to skate for his new team, and head coach Craig Berube threw him right into the fire. It was made known before puck drop that Maccelli would be skating on the first line and he did not disappoint.
Tallying nearly 17 minutes of ice time on 21 shifts, Maccelli picked up an assist on Auston Matthews’ first goal of the preseason coming just five minutes into the first period.
Later in the first, Maccelli racked up another assist on Bobby McMann’s power play goal.
Not too mention, Maccelli almost added a third and fourth on two high quality scoring chances later in the game.
Matias Maccelli Speaks To The Media After The Game
In true hockey player fashion, Maccelli kept his cards close to his chest when speaking to the media after his first line debut.
“Yeah, I mean it’s too early,” Maccelli said in response to a question about how he feels he fits into the Matthews and Knies line. “Still trying to figure out how they play and they’re trying to figure out how I look out there… Just trying to keep building on it and keep working on it.”
The 24-year-old winger went on to say that he felt the line gelled well defensively and added that on offense it was pretty easy because you “just have to get open and they’ll find you.”
He also spoke on the adjustment going from the left wing to the right.
“It doesn’t really matter,” the Finn said bluntly. “I’ve just always been on the left side since we had an older guy on the right… I can play whatever.”
He ended the presser saying that he is focusing on getting more comfortable with possessing and taking care of the puck this preseason.
Maccelli Shows 200-Foot Game
One thing that was particularly encouraging from Maccelli’s debut was his showcasing of defensive capabilities. He blocked a shot and was credited with two hits on the night.
🔹 2 assists (almost 3) 🔹 +1 🔹 2 hits 🔹 1 blocked shot
Looked smooth with some flair in his game. Can’t wait to watch this guy next to Matthews and Knies. 🇫🇮✨
#LeafsForever
Additionally, he aided in a forced turnover in the offensive zone that almost led to Auston Matthews burying his second goal of the game off a point blank feed from Maccelli in the low slot.
63 x 34 looking nice early! 👀
#LeafsForeverThe competition goes on, but Maccelli certainly made it clear why he has a case for the job in his Maple Leafs debut.
Leafs’ Newcomer Shines In Multi-Point ‘Audition’ For First Line