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


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Ryan Smitheram
December 18, 2025  (8:11 PM)
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Matias Maccelli hasn't played since November 28th, but with his name circulating in trade rumours, the Leafs need to get him into the lineup to showcase him.

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.

Maccelli's poor play and lack of production behind his lengthy stay in the press-box

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.
"He knows that he has to be better. We put him in the Washington game, and there wasn't a lot there," noted Berube when Maccelli quickly found the press-box again. "I thought he struggled in that game."

Berube Hints Maccelli May Return During Road Trip

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.
"We've got to get him in there soon. I'd like to, anyhow," Berube insisted. "He's been out long enough due to unplanned circumstances, but we need him. This guy is a good player, and my job is to get him back in the lineup."
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.
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Craig Berube hints forward will return to Leafs' lineup amid trade rumours

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