Matias Maccelli Sends Message to Craig Berube, Eyes Major Role with Maple Leafs
Photo credit: The Hockey News - X
Maple Leafs forward Matias Maccelli has one goal this season, to play alongside Auston Matthews, and is ready to prove to Craig Berube he deserves the chance.
The acquisition of Matias Maccelli from the Utah Mammoth was seen as a shrewd bit of business from GM Brad Treliving, as he added a young top-six forward with a ton of offensive potential, and with the right pieces could end up being a huge presence in the wake of Mitch Marner's departure.
Already confident he can step into the shoes of Marner and take over the playmaking duties, Maccelli is motivated to come in and do what he can in order to give the Maple Leafs every chance to win a Stanley Cup.
Matias Maccelli ready for anything Toronto has to offer
He's also incredibly motivated to play alongside Auston Matthews too, and speaking to The Hockey News via Zoom, the new Maple Leaf explained that he is ready to get to work and play wherever is necessary, though would like to get the chance to shine with Matthews:
I would definitely love that. Playing with a guy like that would be great. I'll make sure I'll be in shape if I get a chance to play with Auston or any of the top guys in Toronto, so that would be super good.
Maccelli also explained that his struggles in Utah this past season weren't indicative of his true potential, and the Maple Leafs and their fans are in for a big treat:
I still know I'm a better player than I was back in Utah. I know I got it still in me, so now I just got to show people that again.
Toronto banking heavily on Maccelli rebounding
He's certainly got the passion, and his excitement to go from a middling team in Utah to a potential Stanley Cup berth is clear. Maccelli has the chance to be a star for the team, and it's why GM Brad Treliving targeted him so heavily:
When he came into the league, his first two years were, he's a dynamic playmaker.
When you look at some of the areas that we need to address, playmaking ability was one of them, and we think there's a bet here on a player that we think can rebound from the season he had this year.
When you look at some of the areas that we need to address, playmaking ability was one of them, and we think there's a bet here on a player that we think can rebound from the season he had this year.
Maccelli only had 18 points with the Mammoth last season, but the previous two seasons he put up 106 points in 146 games (28 goals, 78 assists) and is a highly energetic and creative playmaker who might be able to get Matthews back to his goal-scoring ways.
Plus, he's only 24 and with this season essentially his audition, and with Shane Doan backing him up, there could be a big payday in his future if he plays well.
So there's a lot of hope for Matias Maccelli, and if Craig Berube is listening: You've got the chance to make some magic happen, so hop to it, Chief.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 7 | 2365 ANSWERS Matias Maccelli Sends Message to Craig Berube, Eyes Major Role with Maple Leafs Do you think Matias Maccelli is going to play on the top line for the Maple Leafs? | ||
| Yes | 1152 | 48.7 % |
| No | 1213 | 51.3 % |
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