We Now Know Who Pushed for the Trade: Leafs Targeted Maccelli to Help Replace Marner
Photo credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
When Toronto acquired Matias Maccelli, it was a trade that some fans may have questioned, but knowing Shane Doan had a hand in things; they can feel much better.
Although it was a move that some thought wasn't as impactful as they had hoped, the Toronto Maple Leafs were able to bring in Matias Maccelli for a 3rd-round pick, a very reasonable trade considering he's only 24 years old, though he will need a contract at season's end.
There may have been a method to their madness though, as the trade seemingly came out of nowhere, as most tend to. In particular though, it was a name that wasn't thrown into the mix like others, and fans were hoping for a stronger target.
Coyotes icon Doan the catalyst for Maccelli trade
But considering that Shane Doan was the one who fought heavily to bring in Maccelli, fans should perhaps give him a bit of credit.
According to NHL Insider Chris Johnston, it was the former Phoenix/Arizona Coyote legend who made sure the Leafs got their hands on Maccelli:
Shane Doan, who is the right-hand man of Brad Treliving, has a lot of first-hand experience with Maccelli, seeing his early days, his son was just trade, he played with Matias; the Leafs think highly of him and think he's due for a bounce back next season after a tough year.
They added one guy who can play in the top-six, but they need to go out and get another one.
They added one guy who can play in the top-six, but they need to go out and get another one.
There's a lot of evidence to say that Maccelli can bounce back, and perhaps the move from sunny Arizona to Utah played into his rough season.
Toronto's new 'Double M': Matias Maccelli ready to shine
Maccelli, 24, had only 18 points in 55 games last season, though had 57 points a year prior (17G, 40A) and is one of the more underrated playmakers who isn't even close to his prime years yet.
If he can get back to that level, and there's nothing to say he can't especially with the level of talent surrounding him, the team may have found their Marner replacement after all.
Maccelli is confident he can do it too, and he shows the immense and intense passion that both Brad Treliving and Craig Berube want from their roster.
Plus, the level of discipline he brings to the team will help immensely for a Maple Leafs squad that had a hard time staying out of the penalty box at times (38 PIM in 224 games).
He only makes $3.625-million and though will be due for a raise when an extension comes around, is going to still be a bargain given the rising cap, his age, and the incredible upside he brings.
Things are going to be different for the Maple Leafs in 2025-26, and Maccelli is going to be at the forefront.
There's a lot of pressure on the young playmaking forward, but he seems ready to tackle anything that comes his way.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 5 | 1654 ANSWERS We Now Know Who Pushed for the Trade: Leafs Targeted Maccelli to Help Replace Marner Do you think Shane Doan was the reason Toronto targeted Matias Maccelli? | ||
| Yes | 1400 | 84.6 % |
| No | 254 | 15.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
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