Same initials, though, regarding the player coming to Toronto. That’s where the comparison stops with Marner, who was on the verge of being traded to the Vegas Golden Knights.
Maple Leafs make intriguing move with trade for Matias MaccelliBack to video
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The Leafs acquired winger Matias Maccelli from the Utah Mammoth and sent a conditional third-round pick in 2027 the other way. Should the Leafs make the playoffs next spring and Maccelli records at least 51 points in 2025-26, the pick will be converted to a second-round selection in 2029.
The Leafs are hopeful that Maccelli, who turns 25 on Oct. 14, can find the playmaking touch he had two seasons ago in the Utah franchise’s last year in Arizona.
If the Leafs are thinking that Maccelli can not only play in their top six but make an impact there, it’s going to take some work.
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In 2024-25, Maccelli couldn’t get into a rhythm and frequently was ahealthy scratch as the season wound down, playing in just three of Utah’s final 26 games.
In 55 games, the native of Turku, Finland scored eight goals and recorded 10 assists.
The season amounted to a disappointment for Maccelli, especially coming with a non-playoff team.
At 5-foot-11, 185 pounds, Maccelli doesn’t necessarily fit what Leafs coach Craig Berube prefers in his wingers — big and heavy on the forecheck.
Berube won’t argue with potential and talent, however, and it’s what Maccelli did in the previous two seasons that provides optimism for Toronto.
With the Arizona Coyotes in 2023-24, Maccelli scored 17 goals and had 40 assists for a career-high 57 points in 82 games. And in 2022-23, Maccelli was voted the National Hockey League’s all-rookie team after recording 49 points (11 goals and 38 assists) in 64 games.
Maccelli has one year remaining on his contract with an average annual value of $3.425 million US and he will be a restricted free agent next year.
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Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information.