Utah Mammoth GM Makes Surprising Comments About Trade with the Leafs for Matias Maccelli
Photo credit: Marc DesRosiers Imagn Images
Utah Mammoth General Manager Bill Armstrong subtly admitted that the Maple Leafs got the better end of the trade when they acquired 24-year-old Matias Maccelli.
Acquired on June 30th for a conditional third-round pick, Matias Maccelli is looking forward to his fresh start with the Leafs after a tough season that saw him post just 18 points in 55 games for the Mammoth.
On Monday's 'Leafs Morning Take' podcast, Mammoth GM Bill Armstrong, who was a guest on the program, was asked about the trade and how it came about.
In response, Armstrong explained that it was about giving Maccelli a fresh start because they no longer saw a fit for him, while subtly admitting that the Maple Leafs got the better end of the deal.
"He's a great add for the Leafs. It's a good deal for us -- if he gets, I want to say over 45 points, it turns into a second-rounder for us, so we're kind of protected there. If he doesn't, then the Leafs just paid a third-rounder."
Armstrong also had high praise for Maccelli, and affirmed that he's someone Leafs Nation should be excited about.
"He's going to be a great add for the Leafs. If he hits for the Leafs he can do wonders. He's gonna go in and play with some high end skill players and it's gonna benefit the Leafs and benefit him.
He's a high-end playmaker. An opportunist. Creates odd man rushes. When he's on, he can light it up, certainly a dynamic player at times."
He's a high-end playmaker. An opportunist. Creates odd man rushes. When he's on, he can light it up, certainly a dynamic player at times."
The 24-year-old hopes he can return to the level of production he enjoyed in 2023-24 that saw him post 17 goals and 57 points in 82 games.
He won't replace the departed Mitch Marner's production on his own, but does provide the Leafs with a new playmaker that could slot into the vacant position alongside Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 15 | 2185 ANSWERS Utah Mammoth GM Makes Surprising Comments About Trade with the Leafs for Matias Maccelli How many points will Maccelli put up next season? | ||
| 20-30 | 473 | 21.6 % |
| 31-40 | 792 | 36.2 % |
| 41-50 | 639 | 29.2 % |
| 50+ | 281 | 12.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
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