Matias Maccelli Shares Maple Leafs Dream In First Public Interview Since Trade

Maccelli said he found out about the deal in the middle of a golf round, and joked that his day at the course didn't end up well.

“I was at the golf course trying to make a putt, and then my friend started yelling that I just got traded to Toronto,” Maccelli shared. “It was a pretty exciting golf round, the rest of that, (but) I didn’t make that putt.”

Jokes aside, Maccille sounded ecstatic about joining the Maple Leafs, even though he has no prior connection with the franchise, the city, or the country.

“I’m super excited for this opportunity to play for the Leafs," Maccelli said. "Can’t wait to get going and into the City of Toronto and to meet everyone there.”

Maccelli is coming off a down year, putting up just 18 points in 55 games with Utah, but said he’s ready to work his way back into form.

“All I can do is show up in good shape and be physically and mentally ready for the season,” Maccelli said. “The coaching staff will do their thinking of who will play and where.”

Under contract through June 2026, Maccelli had his best season two years ago, scoring 57 points (17 goals, 40 assists) while appearing in all 82 regular-season games played by the Coyotes in their last season in Arizona.