Why the Maple Leafs Should Hold Onto Matias Maccelli
Some players sneak up on you. Matias Maccelli is one of those guys. When he landed in Toronto, most Maple Leafs fans barely blinked. He blended in, got a few quiet shifts, and that was that. Most fans thought he would be gone soon. But when injuries started piling up, he finally got a real shot — and suddenly everyone’s paying attention.
Let’s not pretend his first stretch in Toronto was anything special. He looked like a guy still trying to remember everyone’s names, never mind figuring out Craig Berube’s system. But lately it's been a different story. Two goals against the Edmonton Oilers, three in his last two games, and a coach who keeps tossing him out there when the team needs something to happen. And to his credit, he’s been answering the bell.
Maccelli Looks Too Good to Trade Away.
Lately, Maccelli just looks comfortable. He’s not overthinking anything; he’s jumping into soft spots, making smart reads, and putting away his chances. And that second line with John Tavares and William Nylander is shaping up nicely. For the first time in a bit, the Maple Leafs have a second line that can actually take over shifts.
And now we hit the trade-deadline chatter. You can bet there are fans and analysts already tossing his name into trade rumours. Honestly? That’s the kind of move that comes back to bite a team. Here’s why:
He’s steady. When the big guns go cold or need a lighter night, he’s the type of guy who can calm things down and still chip in.
There’s upside. No one’s saying he’s going to suddenly hit 60 points like he once did in Arizona, but 10 goals and 24 points already? That’s solid, and there’s room for more.
The room matters. Chemistry can’t be faked, and Maccelli seems to blend right into the Maple Leafs’ rhythm. Messing with that just to chase a “name” deadline pickup rarely works out.
Will the Maple Leafs Try to Re-Sign Maccelli?
In a market obsessed with stars, it’s players like Maccelli who keep teams from toppling over. He’s earned the sweater, and moving him just to make noise at the deadline would be the wrong kind of bold. Hopefully, the Maple Leafs can re-sign him at a team-friendly cost. Keeping him around might just let this story continue unfolding naturally and positively.
He’s fun to watch now — imagine where he might be in a month or two.