Exciting Pre-Season Action for the Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs kicked off their pre-season with a thrilling 4-3 victory against the Ottawa Senators at the Canadian Tire Centre. As the team gears up for the regular season, the non-playing members gathered for an intense practice at the Ford Performance Centre in Toronto.

Maccelli Making Waves

Emerging star Matias Maccelli is turning heads as he vies for a coveted spot on the first line alongside Auston Matthews. "It’s getting better every day," Maccelli commented after his fourth consecutive practice with Matthews and rookie Matthew Knies. The Finnish forward is keen to build synergy with his new teammates, understanding where they like to be during plays.

Matthews Praises Maccelli's Progress

Leafs head coach Craig Berube has recognized Maccelli's impressive performance during a recent intra-squad scrimmage. Matthews echoed this praise, noting, "I think every day is a step in the right direction, especially in the early days of camp. We’re definitely building our chemistry."

Domi Back on the Ice After Injury

Max Domi, who was expected to start on the top line before sustaining a lower-body injury, rejoined practice on Sunday but worked with newcomers Nicolas Roy and Dakota Joshua on the third line. Domi has previously enjoyed successful chemistry with Matthews when Mitch Marner was sidelined last season.

Maccelli's Off-Ice Bonding

While Maccelli may lack familiarity with the Leafs players, he is working hard to fit in. Matthews described him as a laid-back guy who's easy to get along with. Maccelli, however, admits he’s not into the NFL, chuckling, "If I join the fantasy league, the guys will just take my money!" Instead, he’s forming bonds through shared interests, like golf, where he notably made a hole-in-one this summer.

Practice Round Enhancements

After practice, Maccelli and Matthews stayed late to fine-tune their game, exchanging setups for different shots—something Matthews used to do with Marner. As questions swirl around how the team will adapt after Marner’s departure, the focus remains on building effective strategies.

Power Play Adjustments Without Marner

The absence of the influential Marner—who excelled in setting up the power-play unit—has raised questions about how the team will adjust. In practice, defenceman Morgan Rielly reclaimed the quarterback role for the power play. Matthews is confident Rielly can simplify things and maximize opportunities.

A New Penalty Kill Strategy

With assistant coach Derek Lalonde now overseeing the penalty kill, Matthews noted subtle changes to their methods. He emphasized the importance of communication among players during penalty kill situations, feeling well-prepared for the upcoming challenges.

Who's the New DJ?

With Marner stepping back, the search for a new DJ in the locker room is on, and forward Scott Laughton is eager to take the aux cord. He promised a mix of house music and classic hits, ensuring that the tradition of lively music continues.

Ready for More Action Ahead!

Despite some injuries sidelining players like Simon Benoit and Joseph Woll, the Leafs are gearing up for their next practice on Tuesday. The excitement is palpable as they integrate new players and refine their strategies ahead of the regular season.