Promising young Toronto Maple Leafs forward appears to lose his place in the lineup
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
When the Toronto Maple Leafs traded for Matias Maccelli from the Utah Mammoth, they knew the forward would be a project, and that has turned out to be true.
Matias Maccelli struggled in his last year with the Utah Mammoth franchise, and he certainly needed a fresh start. The Toronto Maple Leafs gave him that fresh start, and fans were excited.
When placed on the first or second line, Maccelli was supposed to become his old self again. A fun playmaker who can get you 50-60 points per season.
So far, he has not reached those heights. While he isn't having the same struggles as last season, he certainly isn't as good as advertised.
Toronto Maple Leafs lineup takes a Matias Maccelli-less turn
Last night, Maccelli found himself scratched against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Another new forward in Dakota Joshua, was also scratched.
At practice today, Maccelli was left out of the lines again. While Joshua was back in the lineup, it appears as though there is no space for Maccelli right now.
This is certainly hard to watch, and it makes us wonder whether or not Leafs head coach Craig Berube is upset with the forward or punishing him for something.
Knies - Matthews - Robertson
Domi - Tavares - Cowan
Joshua - Roy - McMann
Lorentz - Laughton - Jarnkrok
Maccelli
Rielly - Ekman-Larsson
Benoit - McCabe
Mermis - Stecher
Myers, Carlo
Woll
Hildeby
Domi - Tavares - Cowan
Joshua - Roy - McMann
Lorentz - Laughton - Jarnkrok
Maccelli
Rielly - Ekman-Larsson
Benoit - McCabe
Mermis - Stecher
Myers, Carlo
Woll
Hildeby
Matias Maccelli's stats could be better
In 21 games this season, Matias Maccelli has four goals, five assists, and nine points. He has a plus/minus of +2, which is decent, all things considered.
Maccelli is on a much better pace than last season, when he had just 18 points with the Utah Mammoth. Furthermore, guys like Max Domi and Dakota Joshua have been a lot worse.
While Maccelli could produce a bit more, he is certainly not the main problem with the Leafs. Having said that, we hope he gets back into the lineup sometime soon.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 27 | 402 ANSWERS Promising young Toronto Maple Leafs forward appears to lose his place in the lineup Do you believe the Toronto Maple Leafs are being too harsh to Matias Maccelli? | ||
| YES | 156 | 38.8 % |
| NO | 246 | 61.2 % |
| List of polls | ||