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A Toronto Maple Leafs rumor that could end up gaining traction might be the possibility of Matias Maccelli hitting the UFA market.
The Toronto Maple Leafs will have an opportunity to do some soul-searching during the Olympics. That soul-searching will most assuredly lead to a flurry of Maple Leafs rumors.
Those rumors will involve determining who stays and goes at the NHL trade deadline.
But for one Leaf, his future isn’t exactly crystal clear. That’s the case of Matias Maccelli.
When the Leafs acquired Maccelli, the hope was that a change of scenery would help him unleash the potential he showed during this time with Arizona/Utah.
That said, a notable Leafs insider, Jonas Siegel, mused about the possibility of Maccelli simply not returning to Toronto next season. However, that situation is easier said than done. The biggest sticking point is Maccelli’s current $3.4 million cap hit. Even if the Leafs retained a portion of that, the likelihood of recouping something for Maccelli isn’t quite so easy.
But there’s another issue potentially fueling Maple Leafs rumors involving Maccelli.
The 25-year-old is in the final year of his current contract. He’ll end up hitting the summer as a restricted free agent (RFA), with the Leafs holding his rights. That situation means that Toronto will need to decide on a major issue: Issue a qualifying offer (QO) or not.
A QO is crucial in keeping an RFA’s rights. If a team declines to issue a QO, the RFA automatically becomes an unrestricted free agent (UFA). At that point, an RFA-turned-UFA is free to sign with whatever team he chooses.
Maple Leafs Rumors Point Towards QO Not Forthcoming
The key issue with issuing Maccelli a QO is that it comes with a cost of $4.1 million. That’s an eye-watering number considering Maccelli’s production at this point. He has scored 10 goals and 24 points in 46 games. While that’s not awful, it might not really be worth a $4 million cap hit.
That’s what the Leafs need to decide on. If they feel that Maccelli could rebound and live up to his cap hit, they’ll issue a QO. That situation would make this Maple Leafs rumor moot. If the club feels that Maccelli won’t live up to his cap hit, then passing on a QO seems like the most reasonable alternative.
It’s also worth underscoring that issuing a QO doesn’t mean the Leafs have to keep Maccelli. They can always trade him. But the problem then becomes apparent for the other party. Would they be willing to take Maccelli’s contract at that price point?
Leafs Must Trade Maccelli Now
The time to trade Maccelli is now. That’s why he’s a part of ongoing Maple Leafs rumors. Unless the team sees a future in which Maccelli plays a significant role, a trade at this point makes the most sense. Recouping something, anything for Maccelli would be a major win.
Trading Maccelli seems like the only recourse at this point. But there’s something else to consider. Just because the Leafs don’t issue a QO doesn’t mean that Maccelli can’t sign with the Leafs as a QO. The Leafs and Maccelli could still work something out despite the lack of a QO. Perhaps a short-term one or two-year deal at a lower price point would allow Maccelli to ace a show-me deal and secure a multi-year pact.
It’s a long shot to be sure, but one worth keeping in mind. Maple Leafs rumors could pick up especially if the team doesn’t trade Maccelli at the deadline this season.
Nestor Quixtan Seasoned NHL analyst and baseball writer focused on covering clubs across each league with news, analysis, and insights. Originally from Toronto, Canada, Nestor’s singular experiences and background have enabled him to bring a different take on the sports world as a whole. Nestor’s fondness for baseball and hockey set the tone for his love and passion for writing about sports. More about Nestor Quixtan
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