Leafs Trade for Matias Maccelli

 

This will be a quick one, but the Leafs made a trade this afternoon with the Utah Mammoth. Toronto has acquired Matias Maccelli in exchange for a conditional third-round draft pick in 2027. The condition on the pick is that if Maccelli registers 51 points or the Leafs make the postseason, the pick becomes a second-rounder in 2029.

Last season, Maccelli recorded just 18 points (8 goals, 10 assists) in 55 games. However, the year before, he posted 17 goals and 40 assists for a career-high 57 points. While many Leafs fans may focus on last season’s lower production, Maccelli still brings significant upside. He’s widely recognized for his elite passing ability and vision on the ice. In the 2022–23 season, he was named to the NHL’s All-Rookie Team after putting up 11 goals and 38 assists for 49 points.

Maccelli is set to earn $3.4 million this season before becoming a restricted free agent. This is a low-risk, high-reward addition for the Maple Leafs. He can slot into one of the top two lines, and with Mitch Marner likely on the way out, Maccelli’s playmaking could complement either Auston Matthews or William Nylander—but time will tell.

With free agency opening at noon on July 1st, the Leafs have approximately $10.15 million in cap space. It’s expected that Toronto will be active in the trade market, but we’ll see what unfolds.