Mattias Maccelli's Comments on Replacing Marner Show He's Built for Toronto: "I'm Confident I Can"

Though it wasn't the #63 that fans had hoped would be coming to Toronto, fans should still be excited about the acquisition of Matias Maccelli. The young playmaking forward is an exciting player to watch and although he struggled this past season; is ready to make an impact.

Not exactly the offensive presence of Mitch Marner, Maccelli is certainly going to bring a new look to the team and with the right players and tools (Auston Matthews, John Tavares and William Nylander) he's set to thrive.

Speaking to the media for the first time since being acquired, the Finnish forward gushed about being the newest Maple Leaf, but it was his statement regarding Marner that should bring fans a ton of excitement:

That's the key word spreading around the Toronto locker room lately; passion. Michael Pezzetta was blunt in his reasoning for signing, stating the united front of winning a Cup for the Leafs is what brought him in.

Maccelli is clearly trying to do the same, and his awareness of Marner's importance to Toronto's success over the last nine years is at its peak. But, he's also heavily motivated to give fans what they want, and being so motivated and ready to make an impact; it could unlock some serious offense.

Drafted 98th overall by Arizona in 2019, he's quietly been one of their better playmakers and has the chance to really blow things up in Toronto. In 224 games he's recorded 130 points (37G, 93A) with only 38 PIM.

He has very good possession numbers, is extremely disciplined and will offer a new look to the Leafs offense.

If Max Domi can find himself on the top line with Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies, then there is no doubt that Maccelli can find his way up there and bring above average playmaking to a line that lost its offensive catalyst.

But besides the offense, youth, and upside, Maccelli brings the passion.

Hopefully this new game plan comes with some postseason success.