Maccelli is averaging a career-high 13:10 this season, and that’s due to a lack of confidence from Berube, but rightly so. Maccelli continually turns the puck over in an attempt to make a high-danger pass, rather than taking the easy route and using the boards, or a much simpler dump. And if the high-danger plays don’t pay off, combined with a non-physical player who almost never ventures into the dirty parts of the ice, then you’re left wondering what exactly he has to offer this hockey team?
Admittedly, Treliving is in a tough spot here, considering he gave up a decent draft pick and gambled on bringing Maccelli’s creativity into the lineup. So far it hasn’t worked out at all, and now we wait to see how long Treliving is willing to see one of its recent trades fail.
There is mounting pressure on the Leafs GM right now and it has everything to do with his recent trades. Not only did Maccelli not work out as he had hoped, but Leafs Nation would also be pushing to include the trades of Scott Laughton and Brandon Carlo in that mix, as Treliving gave up multiple first-round picks and top prospect Fraser Minten. Treliving has gotten himself into trouble with the current Maple Leafs roster, and it will be interesting to see how he pulls himself out of his own demise.
What we do know is the fact that Treliving is talking trade in search of a “hockey deal.” The Leafs General Manager isn’t interested in prospects or draft picks, he wants players who can make an immediate NHL impact, and the question becomes: who leaves Toronto? While Maccelli’s trade value isn’t off the charts, Treliving may be able to find a GM willing to take a gamble on pairing him with another player or mid-range prospect.
As of now, Maccelli is staying, trade talks continue and Treliving is wondering why his gamble hasn’t paid off yet.
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