The Toronto Maple Leafs opened their 2025-26 NHL season with Matias Maccelli on the top line alongside Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies.
The Maple Leafs had a hole to fill on the top line with Mitch Marner leaving this offseason. Toronto was looking at either Maccelli or Max Domi on the top line, but it was Maccelli who started the year on the top line.
Ahead of the season opener, Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube explained what Maccelli needs to do to remain on the top line.
“That is always the question. He had some good practice time with that line. I have liked what I have seen in practice,” Berube said on Oct. 8. “He’s a good playmaker who can pass the puck. That suits the line and how they play. We’ll see how it goes. I can’t predict the future, he doesn’t need to complicate the game or think he always has to pass or make a play.
“He just needs to play the game; he owns a good shot, he has shown us that he can fire a puck; he needs to shoot it and play the game. He doesn’t have to overanalyze it or overpass, he just has to go and play,” Berube added.
Maccelli ended up taking 19 shifts for 14:37 of ice time and recorded 1 assist in the Maple Leafs’ 5-2 win over the Montreal Canadiens.
Maccelli Comments on Playing on Maple Leafs Top Line
Berube put Maccelli on the top line as he did enough in camp to earn the spot.
The Maple Leafs acquired Maccelli from the Utah Mammoth this offseason. He was a scratch at times last season, but Maccelli now will be playing alongside Matthews on the top line.
After Berube announced Maccelli would play on the top line, he was quite happy with the news.
“Sounds pretty good to me, right?,” Maccelli said of earning the top-line role.
Maccelli struggled last season and was a healthy scratch at times. He ended up skating in 55 games, recording 8 goals and 10 assists for 18 points. He’s in the final year of his three-year, $10.275 million deal.
Matthews Praises Maccelli
Part of the reason why Maccelli earned a spot on the top line is due to his playmaking ability.
Maccelli is a great passer and can help set up Matthews to score. Ahead of the season, Matthews praised his new linemate for his vision and playmaking ability.
“The way he sees the ice, he’s able to thread needles, get passes through lanes and sticks that you don’t think are necessarily there,” Matthews said of Maccelli. “He’s small, but really competitive every shift. Really smart hockey player and a guy that I find easy to play with. He’s got a really good mind for the game and getting into different areas he likes to be. And I think he knows where I like to be, so kinda just trying to work off each other.”
Maccelli assisted on Morgan Rielly’s game-winning goal in the third period.
The Maple Leafs will go on the road to play the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday.
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