Craig Berube hints forward will return to Leafs' lineup amid trade rumours

The last time the Leafs played the Washington Capitals was the last time 24-year-old Matias Maccelli was in the lineup -- exactly three weeks ago.

Acquired for a 2027 third-round pick back in June, Maccelli was seen as a poor man's version of Mitch Marner due to his creativity and playmaking abilities.

Unfortunately, he has failed to regain his 2023-24 form, registering just 4 goals and 9 points in 22 games so far this season.

As the Leafs prepared for Thursday's game against the Capitals, Berube was asked about Maccelli returning to the lineup after being scratched for three weeks.

The Leafs' bench boss shared that he would be getting into the lineup soon.

With Maccelli's name swirling in trade rumours, it would appear that his return would be more of a showcase than anything.

One of Brad Treliving's big off-season acquisitions hasn't panned out the way he, the Leafs and Maccelli himself had hoped, but if the 24-year-old can string together a couple of good games when he returns to the lineup, he may get a fresh start somewhere else while the Leafs recoup a meaningful asset, even if it's just another 3rd round pick.