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New York Times
07-07-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Matias Maccelli eyes top-six role in a fresh start with the Maple Leafs
Matias Maccelli would rather not look back on last season, when the up-and-coming playmaking winger saw his production stall with the Utah Hockey Club. 'It wasn't obviously the best year for myself,' Maccelli said from Finland. Maccelli is blessed with hands and vision that can see him turn opposition defenders on their heels. In 2022-23, Maccelli finished with 49 points in 64 games. That was good for second in rookie scoring and fourth in Calder Trophy voting. The future looked bright: Maccelli turned his rookie season into a three-year contract extension with an AAV of $3.425 million. Advertisement Yet when the calendar turned to 2025, he wound up playing just six of Utah's final 31 games last season. The Toronto Maple Leafs sent a conditional 2027 third-round draft pick for Maccelli, 24, ahead of free agency opening in June. It was a low-cost bet for Leafs GM Brad Treliving with Maccelli entering the final year of his contract. It's a bet everyone involved is hoping will pay off. 'I still know I'm a better player than I was. I know I still have it in me. Now I've just got to show people again,' Maccelli said in his first media availability as a Leaf on Monday morning. On a young Arizona Coyotes team with their better players — particularly Clayton Keller and Logan Cooley — still coming into their own, it felt likely Maccelli would enjoy a top-six role throughout his contract. Things didn't go as hoped last season. He fell out of favour with Utah head coach Andre Tourigny. 'It comes down to ice time and opportunity,' Maccelli said of why his production dropped. Maccelli can point the finger at a lack of opportunity, but he also acknowledged he fell short when he was on the ice. He wasn't delivering his high-end skill consistently enough. 'His A-game has not been as productive as it has been in the past,' Tourigny said of Maccelli in March, adding that the forward had been handling his time in the press box like a professional. But with the way the Leafs roster is currently constructed, his new coach Craig Berube can't afford to laud Maccelli's attitude alone. The Leafs have lost a 100-point, playmaking-first player from their lineup in Mitch Marner. They've seen a drop-off in that kind of playmaking production from Max Domi, as well. '(Maccelli) is a dynamic playmaker,' Treliving said. 'When you look at some of the areas we need to address, playmaking ability was one of them.' Advertisement Yes, the Leafs are making a bet on Maccelli. But they need that bet to pay off in a real way. There are two gaping holes in the Leafs' top six, one on each wing, assuming John Tavares slots in as the second-line centre. Treliving hasn't been shy about his desire to add an additional top-six winger to his roster. And so it feels likely that given Berube's predilection for checking-heavy lines lower down the lineup, Maccelli will get runway in the other open top-six role to start the season. 'We think there is a bet here on a player we think can rebound from the season he had this year,' Treliving said. 'With some of the players we have, ultimately it will come down to the fits and matches and where they all go. You play around with it on the board, but we just felt that at the price it cost us, this was a chance for a young player who has some dynamic skill and ability. It was certainly worth the bet.' Maccelli's name has constantly popped up in trade rumours going back to last season's trade deadline. Heading to Toronto could be the fresh start he needs. 'Definitely right from the start, I told my agent that I would love to play for the Leafs,' Maccelli said. Now it's time to show it. Through his time as a Coyote, Maccelli found his best chemistry with Nick Bjugstad and Lawson Crouse. Both scored 20-plus goals in 2023-24 thanks in some part to Maccelli feeding them with his creative vision. Berube could slot Maccelli alongside Tavares and William Nylander for an offence-first, oft-sheltered second line. The idea of a gifted, pass-first Maccelli meshing with Nylander and Tavares doesn't seem far-fetched at first glance. Nylander and Tavares both have shoot-first tendencies and finished first and second in Leafs goal scoring last season. Adding a playmaker to the mix to start the season with lower defensive expectations feels like a plug-and-play option for Berube. Advertisement There's no guarantee Maccelli will work in a top-six role in Toronto. But it sort of has to. Bobby McMann's game lagged late last season and in the playoffs. Domi and Nick Robertson don't appear to be viable candidates for a top-six role as things stand. And Maccelli's playing style, combined with his 5-foot-11 frame, doesn't make him all that compatible with a regular bottom-six role under Berube. Maccelli said he's hunkering down this summer to improve his game, 'more than maybe in previous years.' He's trying to add size to his frame and explosiveness to his stride; Maccelli appears to have an understanding already of the increased physicality expected of him, even higher up in Berube's lineup. But how long will his adjustment take? Maccelli is coming from a team that never made the playoffs during his tenure, and a franchise that doesn't have the eyeballs and expectations he will find in Toronto. He is coming to just his second NHL franchise with legitimate expectations of him and his game — and, as Maccelli himself noted, he's going to a city that's new for him 'without really knowing anyone.' If the Leafs want the trade to pay off, management and coaching staff have to at least be patient with his adjustment period. Doing so could exponentially increase the odds that the fit both sides are hoping for is a success. 'I really don't even have much expectation. I don't really know,' Maccelli said. 'It will for sure be different than it was in Utah and definitely different than it was in Arizona.'
New York Times
12-06-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
U.S. Olympic hockey: Projecting the men's First 6, stock watch on the rest of the roster
Bill Guerin has been preaching for years that it's incumbent on more American NHL players to participate in the World Championship if they're not playing in the postseason. Historically, it's been tough for USA Hockey to convince players after the grind of an 82-game season, plus the start of the playoffs for some, to suit up in red, white and blue. Advertisement Guerin was general manager of the U.S. 4 Nations Face-Off team that lost to Canada in overtime 3 ½ months ago and is GM for the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milan. His day job is managing the Minnesota Wild, and even in his season postmortem with Wild beat writers, he made an impassioned argument for players to go annually to worlds. 'When are we going to win that tournament?' the three-time Olympian said. 'We need to win that tournament soon. We need our best players, though. Sidney Crosby and Nathan MacKinnon are going. That should say something. Our team is good this year and we have a lot of good players going. I hope it's not just because it's an Olympic year. I get it. It is an Olympic year. But we need this more consistently from our players to go over and play and try to win that tournament.' Now, Guerin was talking a little out of both sides of his mouth. Obviously, he wanted the Americans to win the worlds. But last March, Guerin publicly — and no-so subtly — made it clear that if U.S. players blew off worlds, it could be remembered when he and his staff picked this past February's 4 Nations Face-Off roster. So clearly when it comes to picking next year's Olympic team, some American players heard the U.S. boss loud and clear, because this year's World Championship roster featured just two players who took part in the 4 Nations — Jeremy Swayman, who didn't play a game, and Zach Werenski — and a slew of Olympic hopefuls, including Tage Thompson, Clayton Keller, Alex Vlasic and Logan Cooley. The result? The Americans won their first gold medal since 1933 with the Buffalo Sabres' Thompson, a 4 Nations snub, scoring the Golden Goal in overtime. Good bet Thompson is now firmly on the radar to be an Olympian, as are others who didn't make the 4 Nations roster. 'Tage impressed me. Clayton Keller impressed me. A lot of guys did,' Guerin, who technically wasn't on the management team for worlds, told The Athletic. 'They just played really freaking well. They played like a team. Like when I was over there, you could feel that there was something good going on there. You could feel the guys had really come together.' Advertisement Olympic rosters don't have to be submitted until Dec. 31 for the Feb. 11 to 22 tournament. In late August, the United States is expected to hold an Olympic orientation camp in Plymouth, Mich. Guerin and his staff plan to invite up to 45 Olympic hopefuls. The worlds and the strong performances by some complicated the process, so the United States brass will again be keeping close tabs next season on which players get out of the gate strong and potentially earn themselves a roster spot, especially if some who made the 4 Nations roster sustain early-season injuries or struggle. 'It's a good problem to have,' Guerin said of having so many top-notch candidates. 'But it's not just that. It's the importance of the World Championships and the pride that we have to have in it and having more players go. Yes, it's an Olympic year. I'm glad I got a chance to see the guys play. But on top of that, it's making sure that we are putting a premium on that tournament. 'It was unbelievable. It was awesome to see us win. And on top of that, some guys really helped themselves potentially make the Olympic team.' Next week, as early as Monday, the first six players for each Olympic team will be revealed. Last June, the first six Americans named to the 4 Nations Face-Off were forwards Auston Matthews, Matthew Tkachuk and Jack Eichel, and defensemen Quinn Hughes, Charlie McAvoy and Adam Fox. Who will make it this time? Our projection has five of the six again chosen next week. Auston Matthews: The U.S. captain led the NHL in goals in three of the past five seasons for the Toronto Maple Leafs and won the Hart Trophy in 2022. Matthew Tkachuk: Tkachuk was a heart-and-soul guy in the 4 Nations before sustaining a significant injury that he tried to play through in the championship game. The Florida Panthers right wing won a Stanley Cup in 2024 and is vying for another. Advertisement Jack Eichel: One of the top two-way centers in the NHL won a Stanley Cup with the Vegas Golden Knights in 2023. Quinn Hughes: The 2024 Norris Trophy winner and Vancouver Canucks captain had to bow out of the 4 Nations because of an injury, but the superstar defenseman is an Olympic lock. Charlie McAvoy: The Boston Bruins' top defenseman was having a terrific 4 Nations until he sustained a shoulder injury and then missed the rest of the tournament with an infection. He'd ultimately miss the rest of the season for Boston, but he's a shoo-in. Brady Tkachuk: Like his brother, Brady also got hurt in the tournament, but he may have been the United States' best player in terms of energy, physicality and big goals, tying Jake Guentzel for the team lead. Couple that with a tough tournament by defenseman Adam Fox that likely no longer makes the New York Rangers former Norris Trophy winner an Olympic lock, and there's just no way that there aren't two Tkachuks in the first six. In the Olympics, each team can have 25-player rosters, meaning the U.S. will likely have one extra forward and one extra defenseman. Up front, it's likely Chris Kreider is out after a tough 4 Nations and season with the Rangers. The same could be true for Brock Nelson, although coaches love his ability to win draws and kill penalties. That's also what makes right-shot center Vincent Trocheck valuable. It'll be interesting to see what happens with Kyle Connor, who started the tournament on the first line, was almost instantly demoted to the fourth line and scratched in the championship. He had one assist in three games. Here's betting the ginormous and versatile Thompson makes the team. From there, the U.S. will be watching a number of forwards next year. Keller would offer speed and offense and somebody who's exceptional from the right circle on the power play, but the Americans also have Jack Hughes, who was not very good in the 4 Nations, with one assist in four games, as well as Matt Boldy and Connor. They are all similar, and you probably don't want too many of the same style. Advertisement Other non-4 Nations forwards who could be invited to Plymouth include Cooley, Frank Nazar (who was outstanding at worlds with six goals and 12 points in 10 games), Jason Robertson, Alex Tuch, Bryan Rust, Patrick Kane, Conor Garland, Shane Pinto, Matty Beniers and Cole Caufield, who was conspicuous in his absence at worlds. The Americans could also invite youngsters such as Cutter Gauthier, Will Smith, Isaac Howard and Ryan Leonard. The U.S. was essentially a shot away from winning 4 Nations before Connor McDavid ruined its hopes. Could that change the roster construction? 'Look, we could say we're going to take the same team, but we don't know what's going to happen with injuries or guys not playing well at that time or what,' Guerin said. 'We've got to go through the process again. But the Canada-U.S. games, they weren't high scoring, but they were high-checking, and you've gotta be able to play that type of hockey. 'We're not gonna play Canada every night. So we're gonna have to be able to play a lot of different ways. The roster that we had has the ability to score goals. But the good thing is that we had the ability to check as well.' McAvoy, Hughes, Werenski, Jaccob Slavin, Brock Faber and Jake Sanderson are almost surely locks. That leaves two spots. Fox likely will have to play himself on the team at this point. He struggled mightily with the pace of the tournament and made multiple mistakes leading to McDavid's winning goal. But his new Rangers coach, Mike Sullivan, will coach the Olympic team, and his GM, Chris Drury, is part of the U.S. management group. So perhaps that will help. Noah Hanifin is also likely on the bubble. Who could pass Fox and Hanifin by? Vlasic has a real shot if he gets off to a good start with Chicago. Neal Pionk had a great season with the Winnipeg Jets. The Panthers' Seth Jones has been superb in the playoffs. And then there's Calder Trophy winner Lane Hutson, who also didn't go to worlds, and youngster Zeev Buium, who didn't play a lot at worlds but scored one of the biggest goals in the tournament. Advertisement Other potentials include K'Andre Miller, Jackson LaCombe, Ryan McDonagh, Brady Skjei and Luke Hughes. The U.S. will likely return with the same goaltending cast of Connor Hellebuyck, Jake Oettinger and Swayman. Who gets the nod will be determined closer to the tournament, but even though Hellebuyck is coming off his third consecutive subpar postseason with the Jets, he was great in the 4 Nations and likely has the inside track. Oettinger started one meaningless game in the 4 Nations and played well, but lost. And even though his postseason with Dallas started terrifically, it sure ended poorly with him getting chased after allowing two early goals to the Edmonton Oilers in an elimination game during the Western Conference final. Swayman had a rough 2024-25 season after arriving late to the Bruins following a contract dispute, but if he has a solid start next season, his World Championship performance (1.69 goals-against average and .921 save percentage in seven games) could, shall we say, sway things. (Top photo of Matthew and Brady Tkachuk: Maddie Meyer / Getty Images)
Miami Herald
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
World Championship Final Preview: USA Vs. Switzerland Set To Be A Battle Between Youth And Experience
The stage is set for the 2025 IIHF Men's World Championship final as Team USA is set to take on Team Switzerland on Sunday for a chance to take home the gold medal. These two teams couldn't be more different, which is why this matchup is so intriguing. On paper, one thing that stands out about the USA squad is their youth. They are led by a cast of young, upcoming NHL stars, including Clayton Keller, Logan Cooley, Frank Nazar, Will Smith, Shane Pinto, Matty Beniers, and the list goes on and on. Their youth and inexperience in these big tournaments should be somewhat of a weakness, but it's actually been a strength for an American team that plays with a high tempo, making them explosive and difficult to keep up with. 'When you're young, sometimes you're a little bit naive to situations, and that's helped our group,' USA head coach Ryan Warsofsky said. 'We are going to continue to grow and mature. It was nice to see our youth kind of kick in here.' There is also a chip on many of these young player's shoulders that wouldn't be there for veterans. They are hungry to prove themselves at the international level, as many of these American players are just scratching the surface in terms of their potential. 'I think we got a lot of young guys that are looking to prove that they are mature and that they can play on winning teams,' Josh Doan said. 'I think as a young guy, you get put to that side that you don't know how to win yet, but I think we've done a good job of proving that we can defend leads and play in big games.' Team USA also consists of talented players the likes of Tage Thompson, Zach Werenski, Jeremy Swayman, Brady Skjei and Conor Garland. In most sports and international tournaments, the USA is dominant, but not in the hockey World Championship. America hasn't won a gold medal at the World Championship since 1993, and this group has that engraved into their minds. 'It's been (since) 1933, and truly I think that's not good,' Warsofsky said about America's gold-medal drought. 'It's not good at all for us, and we have to start winning this tournament. We addressed it, and we have one more game to go.' While Switzerland's team may not look as flashy on paper, there's an element about their game that can't be seen on paper. Many of these Swiss players have been playing with each other for years and that chemistry gives them a big advantage. It's no coincidence that Switzerland won the silver medal at last year's World Championship. Their long-lasting chemistry sets them apart from other countries. 'I say we have a good consistency now over the past couple of years of the same guys coming in,' J.J. Moser said of why Switzerland is successful. 'We have chemistry in the team and we also can take our experiences from the past years, and that kind of gets us more confidence and more calmness in those situations, if you have experience obviously… 'We're connected, all five guys on the ice and all 20 guys on the team. I think that makes it really hard to play against us.' Team Switzerland is headlined by Kevin Fiala, Timo Meier and Nino Niederreiter. This tournament and team mean everything to the Swiss players. They've grown a bond with each other that is unmatched and honestly wholesome. 'I think team spirit is the key,' Switzerland defenseman Andrea Glauser said. 'We have such good team spirit. We are like brothers, we are like a family.' We'll see on Sunday whether the USA's youth takes them over the top or if Switzerland's experience pays off. Get thelatest news and trending stories by following The Hockey News on Google News and bysubscribing to The Hockey News newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting belowthe article on Copyright 2025 The Hockey News, Roustan Media Ltd.
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Clayton Keller shines as Team USA reaches gold medal final after huge win at World Championships
Clayton Keller shines as Team USA reaches gold medal final after huge win at World Championships (Image Source: Getty Images) Stockholm fans heard Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Free Bird" repeatedly on Thursday, but it was Team USA who stole the spotlight at Avicii Arena. With a convincing 6–2 victory over Sweden, the Americans punched their ticket to the gold medal game at the 2025 IIHF Men's World Championship. Four of the NHL's newest franchise, the Utah Mammoths, players were big contributors to the big win. Logan Cooley and Clayton Keller power USA over Sweden From the opening puck drop, the United States dominated the game. Having won a tight one against Finland in the quarterfinals, Team USA seemed quicker, more crisp, and more powerful against the host country. They took an early 4–0 lead in two periods and fended off Sweden's third-period push with two additional goals to seal the 6–2 victory. Logan Cooley kept on impressing. Utah Mammoth sensation now boasts 11 points in nine games, four of them goals and seven assists, second-most on Team USA. His Utah Mammoth teammate Clayton Keller is closely behind him with 10 points (three goals, seven assists). 'I liked our start. We were simple. We knew how we had to start the game and how we had to play. So, I thought everyone chipped in and made an impact on the game today. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like How three Filipino cardinals eligible to be the next pope remember Pope Francis CNA Read More Undo We stuck to our game plan," Clayton Keller said after the victory. Michael Kesselring, Utah Mammoth defenseman and another key player contributed four points throughout the tournament. Forward Josh Doan contributed a single point. These impressive performances indicate just how much Utah's younger talent is contributing to the U.S. on the world stage. Also Read: Team USA's Trevor Zegras Eyes Redemption At The 2025 IIHF World Championship Gold medal game up next and put all eyes on Utah's draft Team USA will now face the winner of Switzerland vs. Denmark in Sunday's gold medal game. The last time the U.S. won gold at the Men's World Championship was in 1933 nearly 100 years ago. A win this weekend would be historic. It's a good feeling. There's one more game to win. We're going to focus on tomorrow,' Keller said. When the tournament is over, eyes will shift back to Utah Mammoth's next big time June 27–28's 2025 NHL Draft. Utah gets fourth overall and their newest draft pick will be the first in franchise history to lace up the Mammoth home sweater on stage. In the meantime, Utah fans will be cheering loudly this Sunday, praying their players take home gold. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
CBC
24-05-2025
- Sport
- CBC
U.S. beats Sweden 6-2 to reach the final at ice hockey worlds
Social Sharing The United States beat Sweden 6-2 to advance to the final of the ice hockey world championship on Saturday in Stockholm, Sweden. In Sunday's final, the U.S. will play Switzerland or Denmark, who meet in the late semifinal. Jeremy Swayman stopped 27 shots and the U.S. remained on course to win the worlds for the first time since 1933. The Americans were also formally awarded the title in 1960 and 1980 when they won the Olympic tournaments and the worlds did not take place. By reaching the final, the U.S. achieved its best result since the silver medal in 1950. "It's a good feeling," captain Clayton Keller said. "There's one more game to win. We're going to focus on tomorrow." The U.S. jumped to 2-0 in the opening period, outshooting the Swedes 13-3. Brady Skjei scored 6:52 in with a shot from the blue line that went through heavy traffic in front of goaltender Jacob Markstrom. Cutter Gauthier doubled the advantage with 2:47 remaining, picking up the puck after a shot by Shane Pinto was blocked and directed it into the net between Makstrom's pads. Gauthier was born in Skelleftea, Sweden, in 2004 when his father, a goaltender, played for a local team. Conor Garland added the third with 8:53 to go in the second, knocking in a rebound. Mikey Eyssimont made it 4-0 on a 4-on-2 rush from the right circle. Samuel Ersson replaced Markstrom in the Swedish net at the start of the final period. Nylander scores for Sweden William Nylander scored the first for Sweden 6:32 into the the third period, and Elias Lindholm scored another 41 seconds later to give Sweden some hope at 4-2. But defenseman Jackson LaCombe beat Ersson for the fifth with 8:51 to go. Shane Pinto finished it off into an empty net to complete a three-point game after assisting on the opening two goals. "Every single guy contributed and I couldn't be more proud of our group," U.S. coach Ryan Warsofsky said.
