Mattias Maccelli Explains What It Will Take to Hold His Spot on the Leafs' Top Line
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Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matias Maccelli talked about what he needs to do in order to keep his spot on the top line as training camp brings several key questions.
With the news that Max Domi was dealing with a slight injury ahead of training camp and that he wouldn't be skating for a couple of days, it was up to Matias Maccelli to slide on the top line with Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies.
An above-average playmaker who is finally getting a true test here in Toronto, Maccelli has a lot of hype and expectations surrounding him this season, but from the sounds of it, he's ready to tackle whatever comes.
Maccelli Breaks Down His Focus Going Into Training Camp
Which is why it was so great to hear that not only did he have a solid appearance on the top line, but the young forward is aware of what he needs to do in order to keep that spot.
Speaking to reporters after skating on Thursday, Maccelli explained that he was excited for the chance to skate with the top line, and knew he had to bring his best; and already sounds confident he'll earn the chance:
Just doing my best with the puck, without the puck, working hard. With the puck, trying to make plays, trying to play the same way they do. As we get going with the games, they'll tell me what they expect and what they want, and then I'll do the same thing.
If Maccelli can take the reins early on and run with it, while it might not solidify his spot on the top line, it might give him a chance to stay in the top-six, with the chance to move up if Domi struggles with Matthews early on.
It also shows a lot of maturity from Maccelli that he recognizes that he should build chemistry early on even without a locked down spot because that familiarity will make any transition easier.
What Staying on the Leafs' Top Line Would Mean for Maccelli's Season
For Maccelli, who was acquired this offseason as a way to help cover a bit for Mitch Marner's absence, being able to secure a spot with Matthews and Knies would not only give him a chance to break out, but also give the captain the playmaker he needs.
Not to say that Matthews can't score, but if Domi is going to miss time or be a potential injury risk, then he'll need someone to feed him pucks; he can't do both at once.
At 24, he's still fairly young and being given that much responsibility could be a concern but look at how Knies acclimated; and with him having a huge supporter in Shane Doan, who works with the Maple Leafs and who knew Maccelli from Arizona.
Plus being able to play on the top line gies him the confidence to still succeed even if he gets slid down the lineup because he already earned the trust of Craig Berube.
Although he struggled last season with 18 points, he had a combined 78 assists the two seasons prior (146 games).
For Maccelli he just needs to keep doing what he's doing and prove to the Maple Leafs that he can handle first line duties.
But if he doesn't get put there, it's not like he won't be able to do damage somewhere else in the lineup.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 20 | 1789 ANSWERS Mattias Maccelli Explains What It Will Take to Hold His Spot on the Leafs' Top Line Does Matias Maccelli deserve a spot on Toronto's top line? | ||
| Yes | 1002 | 56 % |
| No | 787 | 44 % |
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