The Toronto Maple Leafs have made a surprising move ahead of free agency, acquiring forward Matias Maccelli from the Utah Mammoth in exchange for a conditional third-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft. The deal, announced Monday, sees the Leafs gamble on the potential of the 24-year-old Finn, who is coming off a disappointing season but has shown flashes of offensive brilliance.
Maccelli's acquisition comes at a time of significant uncertainty for the Maple Leafs, with Mitch Marner potentially heading for free agency. The Leafs are also reportedly chasing after sought-after UFA Brad Marchand.
The conditional pick in the trade could turn into a second-round selection in 2029 if the Maple Leafs make the playoffs next season and Maccelli records at least 51 points. This condition highlights the Leafs' belief in Maccelli's potential to bounce back and become a key contributor.
Maccelli is entering the final year of a three-year contract he originally signed with the Arizona Coyotes, carrying a cap hit of $3.425 million. He is slated to become a restricted free agent next summer.
Maccelli is coming off a tough season with the Utah Mammoth (formerly the Arizona Coyotes), where he posted just 8 goals and 10 assists in 55 games. He was even a healthy scratch at times. However, the season prior, in 2023-24, Maccelli had a breakout year, recording 17 goals and 40 assists for 57 points in 82 games. The Maple Leafs are hoping that a change of scenery and a new environment will help Maccelli rediscover that offensive touch.
Drafted 98th overall by the Coyotes in 2019, Maccelli made his professional debut in the AHL with the Tucson Roadrunners in 2021-22. He had a strong showing, with 14 goals and 43 assists in 47 games. Maccelli also led all AHL rookies in assists that year and was named the league's Rookie of the Month twice. He also made his NHL debut that year, scoring his first goal in his second game. Overall, Maccelli has played 224 NHL games, accumulating 37 goals and 93 assists for 130 points.
Maple Leafs General Manager Brad Treliving is betting that Maccelli can regain his scoring touch and provide valuable depth to the team's middle-six forward group. Maccelli's playmaking abilities and offensive upside could make him a valuable asset if he can find consistency.
The Utah Mammoth's General Manager, Bill Armstrong, acknowledged Maccelli's contributions to the organization, stating, "We appreciate everything that Matias has done for the organization. He is a great person, consummate professional, and we wish him all the best".
