The Toronto Maple Leafs are turning the page on a dramatic chapter in franchise history, stepping boldly into a new era defined by both uncertainty and opportunity. With Mitch Marner’s high-profile departure to the Vegas Golden Knights, all eyes are now on Auston Matthews as he assumes the mantle of undisputed team leader.

Yet, it’s not just about the superstars—Toronto’s fresh start is also about the new faces eager to make their mark. Among them is Matias Maccelli, a promising Finnish winger whose arrival has sparked hope and curiosity among fans and analysts alike. For Maccelli, the move to Toronto isn’t just another stop in his career—it’s the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.

His first public comments since joining the Leafs reveal a player energized by the chance to play alongside Matthews and determined to seize this moment. As the Maple Leafs retool their forward group and set their sights on a new identity, Maccelli’s story is quickly becoming a symbol of the team’s renewed ambition and the excitement that lies ahead for hockey’s most passionate fanbase.

After Mitch Marner’s trade to Vegas Golden Knights, the new Toronto Maple Leafs forward spoke publicly for the first time since being acquired, calling Toronto his “dream destination” alongside Auston Matthews.

© Photo by Chris Tanouye/Freestyle Photography/Getty ImagesAuston Matthews, now the undisputed face of the Maple Leafs, leads Toronto into a new chapter following Mitch Marner’s departure.

In the wake of Mitch Marner’s trade to the Vegas Golden Knights, the Toronto Maple Leafs are entering a new era—one defined by change, youth, and a retooled forward group around Auston Matthews. Among the fresh faces is Matias Maccelli, a 24-year-old Finnish winger who arrived from Utah in a low-key but potentially meaningful trade.

More than a week after being acquired, Maccelli has spoken publicly for the first time, and his message was one of excitement and intent. The forward revealed that Toronto wasn’t just another destination—it was the one he had in mind from the beginning.

“Definitely, right from the start, I told my agent that I would love to play for the Leafs,“ Maccelli admitted in his first public comments as a Maple Leaf. It was a dream move—for a player ready to revive his career.

How did Maccelli find out about the trade?

As it turns out, the news caught him mid-swing—literally. Maccelli was on a golf course when he learned of the trade from Utah to Toronto, a moment that was equal parts surreal and unforgettable.

Matias Maccelli #63 of the Utah Hockey Club in action against the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center on December 14, 2024 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

“I was at the golf course trying to make a putt, and then my friend started yelling that I just got traded to Toronto,” Maccelli shared. “It was a pretty exciting golf round, the rest of that, (but) I didn’t make that putt.”

Despite the missed putt, Maccelli described the trade as a “dream come true,” noting he has no prior connection to the city or team but has long admired the franchise.

What does Maccelli bring to the Maple Leafs?

Despite coming off a down year—just 18 points in 55 games with the Utah Mammoth—Maccelli believes a bounce-back season is ahead. He’s under contract through June 2026 and remains motivated to prove himself on a bigger stage.

“All I can do is show up in good shape and be physically and mentally ready for the season,” he said. “The coaching staff will do their thinking of who will play and where.”

Two years ago, Maccelli put up a career-best 57 points while playing all 82 games for the Coyotes in their final season before relocating to Utah. His creativity and playmaking instincts make him a logical candidate to complement Matthews on a dynamic new-look forward line.

“I’m super excited for this opportunity to play for the Leafs. Can’t wait to get going and into the City of Toronto and to meet everyone there,” Maccelli added.