Report Confirms Maccelli’s Struggles in Utah Not About Performance: Maple Leafs’ Gamble About to Pay
Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
According to a report, the struggles of Matias Maccelli in Utah were entirely unrelated to performance, which could mean that the Maple Leafs’ gamble was a smart one.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have started their 2025-26 campaign on a high note, earning an impressive 5-2 victory over their long-time rivals, the Montreal Canadiens, in their season opener.
For one of the newest Leafs, Matias Maccelli, this season represents much more than a fresh start — it’s a chance at redemption. After posting just 18 points in 55 games last season, a steep drop from his near 60-point campaign the year before, questions surrounded the young winger’s decline in production and what that may have been attirbuted to.
However, new information suggests that Maccelli’s struggles in Utah had little to do with performance and more to do with internal circumstances.
As reported by David Pagnotta and shared by NHL Rumour Report on X:
“I know a lot of people said… he was benched in Utah… [but] he was benched because he asked for a trade, he wanted out mid-season.”
Maccelli Poised for Bounce-back Season After Down Season
With a renewed mindset, a supportive coaching staff, and elite linemates, Maccelli appears primed to rebound in a big way.
As the Maple Leafs prepare to face the Detroit Red Wings tonight, all eyes will be on Maccelli — not just to erase the narrative of last year’s drop in production, but to show that his true talent is finally being given the stage it deserves.
Previously on Maple Leafs Daily
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Report Confirms Maccelli’s Struggles in Utah Not About Performance: Maple Leafs’ Gamble About to Pay Off
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