Matias Maccelli is confident he still possesses the ability to be a high-scoring player in the NHL.
The Finnish forward intends to demonstrate this with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Maccelli, 24, who was acquired by the Leafs from the Utah Mammoth in a trade last month, spoke with the Toronto media for the first time on Monday.
“It really comes down to ice time and having the opportunity to produce points,” he stated. “Last season was definitely not my best year. But I still believe I am a better player than I was… I know I still have that capability in me. Now, I just need to show everyone that again.”
Maccelli`s statistics saw a significant drop last season, as he recorded eight goals and 10 assists for a total of 18 points in 55 games with Utah, averaging 13:44 of ice time per game.
His most productive NHL season occurred the year prior in Arizona, where Maccelli tallied 17 goals and 40 assists, accumulating 67 points across 82 games with an average ice time of 16:14. In his initial full NHL season in 2022-23, while also with Arizona, Maccelli registered 11 goals and 38 assists for 49 points in 64 appearances, averaging 15:41 of ice time.