Matias Maccelli still possesses the ability to generate points in the NHL.
The Finnish winger is eager to demonstrate this with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Maccelli, a 24-year-old forward acquired by the Leafs from the Utah Mammoth in a trade last month, spoke to Toronto reporters for the first time on Monday.
“Point production often depends on ice time and opportunity,” he commented. “Last season certainly wasn`t my best performance. However, I am confident that I am a more skilled player than I showed… I still have that capability within me. Now, I just need to prove it again to everyone.”
Statistically, Maccelli`s numbers declined significantly last season. He recorded just eight goals and 10 assists for a total of 18 points in 55 games with Utah, averaging only 13:44 of ice time per game.
In contrast, his most successful NHL season came the year prior with Arizona, where he accumulated 67 points (17 goals, 40 assists) over a full 82-game schedule, averaging 16:14 on ice. During his rookie season in 2022-23, also in Arizona, Maccelli posted 49 points (11 goals, 38 assists) in 64 games with an average ice time of 15:41.
Tristan Blackwood