Matias Maccelli Arrives in Toronto With Bold Message for Maple Leafs Fans
Photo credit: Nick Wosika-Imagn Images
Matias Maccelli has come into the Maple Leafs this season with lofty expectations in mind and had a strong message for fans ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.
While the Toronto Maple Leafs are focused on making sure they can repeat an Atlantic Division title, it's going to be tough for them without Mitch Marner because while he may have been a bit of a locker room nightmare; there was no denying his talent.
The team decided to add a bunch of new pieces instead to round things out and create more balance throughout all four lines. One of the bigger names brought in was Matias Maccelli, a young playmaking winger with a lot of promise coming off a struggling year in Utah.
There's a lot of hope for him though as history shows that he has the capability of being an above average playmaker and facilitator for the Maple Leafs, and if you ask the forward himself, he's more than excited to be a part of things.
Matias Maccelli Sets High Goals for His Maple Leafs Debut
Appearing at the Leafs Legends Charity Golf Classic on Monday, Maccelli spoke to reporters and spoke very highly of being able to play in Toronto:
My motivation is probably the highest it has ever been, coming here, I mean, what's a better place to play?
It seems that Maccelli is all-in to what the Leafs are doing this season and has been noted as willing to do whatever it takes to help them win be it in a top-six role or not.
But it wasn't just the excitement about playing in Toronto that has Maccelli gearing up to go, but the potential to finally hit the postseason and really enjoy himself out there:
First of all it would be nice to play playoffs for first time. Obviously, that's the goal and to win is the most important thing.
And then for myself, I want to have a better season than I've had, make it the best one of my career, and enjoy it, have fun.
And then for myself, I want to have a better season than I've had, make it the best one of my career, and enjoy it, have fun.
Why It Matters: How Maccelli Could Fill the Post-Marner Gap
There's a glaring hole on the first line beside Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies and while Max Domi seems the likeliest candidate to fill that role, Maccelli is nipping at his heels.
Prior to 2024-25, Maccelli put up 78 assists in 146 games, which would put him towards the top of the Maple Leafs over the past few seasons in terms of assists if you take a look at secondary players.
At only 24 he's got a lot of time to grow, and who better to learn from than Matthews and Knies? We saw what happened when the latter was paired with the captain a couple years ago, and we could see the same growth in Maccelli.
If he can work on adding a bit more grit and defensive versatility, then he should be a shoe-in over Domi for the top spot, because he can at least hold his own if gets caught.
You also have to understand that Maccelli isn't in his prime yet, and playing with and against tougher competition is going to elevate his talents. We cannot and should not expect a 75-80 point mark; but he's more than capable of hitting 60 points.
His motivation is unwavering and his excitement is palpable. Matias Maccelli came into Toronto with a chip on his shoulders and a much brighter spotlight.
But as cool as a cucumber, he's thrown on his shades and is ready to walk head first into whatever comes next.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 15 | 1102 ANSWERS Matias Maccelli Arrives in Toronto With Bold Message for Maple Leafs Fans Will Matias Maccelli be a top-six player for the Maple Leafs? | ||
| Yes | 820 | 74.4 % |
| No | 282 | 25.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
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