Greg Wyshynskijun 30, 2025, 01:47 PM ET
Closegreg Wyshynski is a senior NHL writer at ESPN.
The Toronto Maple Leafs acquired winger Mattias Mackeli from the Utah Mammoth, giving the 24-year-old a much-needed new start.
Mammoth has obtained the 2027 Conditional Round 3 Selection from Toronto. If the Maple Leafs score at least 51 points of playoff berth and McKelli records in 2025-26, the pick will be converted to a second selection in 2029.
MacCelli’s cap hit was $3.425 billion, a free agent that has been restricted from next season onwards.
Editor’s Pick
1 Related
The Finland native spent his breakout season with the Arizona Coyotes in 82 matches with 17 goals and 40 assists from 2023-24. After the team moved to Utah last season, McKelli struggled to be suited to the game and lineup. He had eight goals and 10 assists in 55 games, and was a healthy scratcher frequently as the season progressed. His average ice time fell from 16:14 last season to 13:44 this season.
“We’re grateful for everything Matthias did for the organization,” said Bill Armstrong, Mammoth general manager. “He’s a great person, a perfect expert and we hope he’s all the best.”
The trade lasted a busy few days for the Leafs, who re-signed free agent centers John Tavares and Matthew Nees. Maccelli helps to strengthen Toronto’s scoring depth beyond the top two lines.
Meanwhile, Utah will clear more pay cap space for next season. The Mammoth is the Frieda Panthers winger Blood Merchand and is widely speculated as a team aiming to make a free agent splash.
