Matias Maccelli steps into top line spotlight with Matthews and Knies
The Toronto Maple Leafs are poised for a new chapter as they look to fill the void left by Mitch Marner on their top line. Enter Matias Maccelli, who finds himself in a prime position to seize this opportunity following his offseason trade to the team. The Maple Leafs brought Maccelli on board with the intention of enhancing their secondary scoring, a crucial aspect as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Preseason opener against the Senators
As the Maple Leafs gear up for their preseason home opener against the Ottawa Senators on September 23, Maccelli is set to line up alongside two of the team’s biggest stars: Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies. This trio offers a tantalizing blend of skill, speed, and creativity, making them a formidable unit to kick off the preseason.
Line combinations shaping up
During the morning skate ahead of the game, the line combinations showcased Maccelli’s significant role in the team’s plans. The projected forward lines featured:
Knies – Matthews – Maccelli
McMann – Tavares – W. Nylander
Joshua – Haymes – Robertson
Lorentz – Laughton – Cowan
On the defensive end, the pairings included:
Rielly – Carlo
McCabe – Tanev
OEL – Danford
In goal, the Maple Leafs are expected to start Hildeby, setting the stage for an exciting matchup against Ottawa.
A promising addition to the lineup
Maccelli’s transition to the top line represents a significant opportunity not just for him, but for the Maple Leafs as they strive to maintain their competitive edge in a tough Atlantic Division. With a blend of established talent and emerging players, Toronto aims to showcase their depth and versatility as they embark on the preseason and look ahead to the regular season.
