Insider Reveals Why Matias Maccelli Wanted Out of Utah Before Joining the Maple Leafs

Sep 25, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matias Maccelli (63) looks on during warm-up before the game against the Montreal Canadiens at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

NHL Insider David Pagnotta explained the reasoning behind why Matias Maccelli was traded to the Maple Leafs, with his unhappiness at the forefront of the issue.As part of the changes throughout the Toronto Maple Leafs organization, one of the bigger ones was when they acquired young forward Matias Maccelli from the Utah Mammoth for a third-round pick.

But it was a deal that took many by surprise especially because Utah wasn’t the club with a bunch of aging veterans or a perennial contender and Maccelli was expected to be part of their plans.

One insider though has given us the scoop as to why Maccelli was seemingly so easy to bring aboard.

Insider Reveals Utah Mammoth and Matias Maccelli’s Rocky Relationship

Maccelli, people ask if he can be a 50-60 point guy. I know a lot of people say ‘Oh he was benched in Utah, he wanted a trade and wanted out mid-season.

He said ‘If you aren’t going to use me, trade me.’ Which led to the Mammoth saying ‘Oh okay now we’re really not going to use you.

Everything becomes a lot clearer as to why it was not only easy to bring in Maccelli but why this came out of nowhere; Utah wanted to wash their hands and Toronto took on the forward.

Why This Explains So Much About His Fresh Start in Toronto

He also had the blessing of Arizona Coyotes legend Shane Doan, who works with Toronto and had nothing but high praise for the Finnish winger.

While not the easiest task, the confidence and determination endeared him quickly to Maple Leafs fans who believe he has the chance to break out soon:

Though not off to a blazing start this season, he’s getting a premium chance to earn points while playing on the top line alongside Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies.

How long that will last is undetermined, and falls heavily on when Toronto can actually get healthy again but for now it’s his time to shine.

Utah deemed that Maccelli’s passion and confidence in himself was arrogant and shipped him out of town.

Though it’s that same passion and confidence that led the Toronto Maple Leafs to bring him in as part of their future.

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Insider Reveals Why Matias Maccelli Wanted Out of Utah Before Joining the Maple Leafs

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