The Maple Leafs practised in two groups at the Ford Performance Centre on Thursday.
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Matias Maccelli is getting the first audition beside Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies on Toronto’s top line.
“He’s in the process of just kind of feeling things out,” said coach Craig Berube after the first on-ice sessions of training camp. “You get thrown on the line with Matthews and Knies, I mean, it’s a big step.”
“Just focus on building some chemistry,” Maccelli said. “They’re both helluva players, so excited to get a chance to play with them. Really looking forward to it.”
Berube has identified Maccelli and Max Domi as the top candidates to take the spot vacated by Mitch Marner. The plan was to start Domi on the top line, but he tweaked a lower-body injury ahead of training camp and missed Thursday’s practice. Domi skated on his own before the main group.
“Max should be back pretty quick, and then we’ll go from there,” Berube said.
For now, though, Maccelli is getting the plum assignment.
Berube readily admits he is reluctant to start Maccelli in such a prominent spot. His preference is to deploy the 24-year-old Finn down the lineup in order to give him time to get adjusted to a new team with less scrutiny.
Maccelli is looking to get back on track after producing just 18 points in 55 games last season in Utah where he was a healthy scratch in 13 games down the stretch. The Mammoth sent him to Toronto in July in exchange for a conditional third-round pick in the 2027 draft.
Maccelli, a lefty, has never really played right wing in the NHL and doesn’t have any pre-existing relationships with Leafs players.
“It’s weird to come to a new team when you don’t know anyone,” the 5-foot-11, 185 pounder said. “I’ve only been in one spot and knew all the people there, so it’s different. But everybody’s been super welcoming and nice, so it’s been an easy adjustment.”
Maccelli is looking to reclaim the form that saw him produce 40 assists and 57 points during the 2023-24 season in Arizona. He racked up 49 points in 64 games a year earlier en route to finishing fourth in Calder Trophy voting.
“He’s a little spark plug out there,” observed goalie Anthony Stolarz. “He’s shifty, but he’s actually got a really, really heavy shot too. I’m excited to see him work with our top six. I think we’ve got some guys that will complement each other really well.”
New Leafs winger Matias Maccelli on his motivation: “Probably the highest it has ever been. Coming here, I mean, what’s a better place to play?”
on extra attention in Toronto: “I’m not a huge thinker usually, or overthink stuff, so that will help me”https://t.co/lQZU3MXGO0
— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) September 15, 2025
What will Berube be looking for?
“He is a guy who can make plays — we all know that — so that is going to be a big part of it,” the coach said. “Is he making the right plays and the right decisions with the puck? Is he getting Matthews the puck enough for opportunities? It is just about him playing 200 feet, too. That line is going to play against good lines, so he needs to be solid defensively, too.”
‘He’s a little spark plug out there’: Maccelli gets first look playing with Matthews, Knies Matias Maccelli got an early look playing beside Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies during the Leafs’ morning skate on Thursday. The winger offered his first observations from skating alongside them, specifically noting Matthews’ work ethic and leadership.
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Bobby McMann is starting training camp on the second line beside John Tavares and William Nylander.
“I played them [together] last year,” Berube noted. “They were together for a significant amount of time, and they always did well together, I thought. There’s always production.”
The Leafs outscored the opposition 11-5 in the 158 minutes McMann, Tavares and Nylander played together at 5-on-5 last season, per NaturalStatTrick.com.
McMann scored a career-high 20 goals before going cold late in the season. The 6-foot-2 left winger failed to score in the final 11 regular season games and then went goalless in 13 playoff games.
“Bobby could take another step in his game,” Berube said, “especially playing with those two guys. Getting those guys the puck more, getting to the net more, things like that. I like a big guy with those guys to forecheck, get in there and create loose pucks, help out JT in that situation and things like that.”
McMann is 27-years-old, but only 140 games into his NHL career. Last year was his first full season in the league. So, he still has plenty of room to grow.
McMann focused on his skating during the summer.
“[It’s about] trying to make sure I’m balanced, making sure I can see the ice really well so that I can make the right plays,” the Wainwright, Alta. native said. “And then working on angles of entries and how I’m attacking and how I’m getting to the net and stuff like that.”
Last year was McMann’s first taste of playoff hockey, which may explain why he struggled to make an impact.
“The intensity level and how quick the game is and everything like that, it changes,” said Berube, who coached the St. Louis Blues to a Stanley Cup title in 2019. “It’s a different level. And, you know, he’s got some experience under his belt. I think he’ll be more prepared. I think that was part of it. I thought there was games where he got better, but it’s just getting the experience more than anything.”
McMann produced just three assists in the postseason. He finished the second-round series against Florida playing on the fourth line with Domi and Max Pacioretty.
What did he take away from the playoff experience?
“Just the competitiveness of it,” McMann recalled. “Making sure that even when you’re not contributing offensively, there’s a lot that you can be doing to contribute. Those are long series and you can really wear a team down if you’re doing the little things right so just trying to focus on that.”
After goalless playoffs, McMann starts Leafs camp with Tavares, Nylander In his first taste of playoff hockey last season, Bobby McMann was unable to find the back of the net and only produced three points in 13 games during the Leafs’ run. Head coach Craig Berube believes the forward can take another step in his game and says the trio of McMann, William Nylander and John Tavares did well last year.
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As negotiations on a contract extension continue, Stolarz explained why he does not want talks to bleed into the regular season.
“I mean, our ultimate goal is to win the Stanley Cup,” the 31-year-old said. “So once the season starts that’s all I want to focus on.”
TSN Hockey Insider Chris Johnston reports that Stolarz is unwilling to continue negotiations once the regular season begins on Oct. 8.
On Wednesday, Leafs general manager Brad Treliving made it clear that inking an extension quickly is a priority.
“We’ve had some good talks, some good [dialogue],” Stolarz confirmed. “Hopefully we get something done soon.”
Despite missing time last year with a knee injury, Stolarz started a career-high 33 games and led the NHL with a .926 save percentage. He backstopped the Leafs to a first-round win over the Ottawa Senators in the playoffs.
“I kind of know that I am an NHL goalie and I’m a pretty good one,” he said of what he proved last season.
“I know that what I did last year is a high bar and I’m looking forward to matching that this year.”
Berube believes Stolarz benefitted from backing up Sergei Bobrovsky during Florida’s run to the Stanely Cup in the 2023-24 season.
“He was very confident,” Berube said. “He won a Stanley Cup. Coming into Toronto, he was very confident. He was pretty eager to show everybody he is a No. 1 goalie.”
Stolarz is aiming to “pick up right where I left off last year.”
Playing under the microscope in Toronto doesn’t seem to faze the 6-foot-6 New Jersey native.
“I’m kind of just a laid-back guy,” he said. “I kind of look at it as playing in the best men’s league in the world (smile), so I get to go out there and play in front of 20,000 fans every night. It’s all you can ask for.”
Anthony Stolarz, amid negotiations on a contract extension with the #leafs, on why the Toronto market has been a good fit for him:
“I’m just a laid-back guy. I kind of look at it as I’m playing in the best men’s league in the world.” pic.twitter.com/PmyPfSDJrJ
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) September 18, 2025
Stolarz hopeful to get deal done before season starts as comfort level increases Anthony Stolarz and the Leafs have mutual interest in getting an extension signed before the season starts to limit any potential distractions. The goaltender spoke about his mindset during negotiations and the confidence he has in the team’s tandem in net this season.
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Nick Robertson scored a career high 15 goals in 69 games last season, but was a healthy scratch in 10 of 13 playoff games. What does he have to do to be in the lineup consistently in the playoffs?
“That’s a question for Chief,” Robertson said, referring to Berube by his nickname. “Obviously, I wanted to play. I don’t like being out of the lineup. I think, for me, it’s just to keep doing what I’m doing. I know that my hard work is going to pay off.”
But will it pay off in Toronto?
Robertson requested a trade in the summer of 2024 before eventually signing a one-year deal on the eve of training camp. Robertson agreed to another one-year contract in August.
“It’s just what came about it,” the 24-year-old said. “I’m not looking much into it. Maybe it’s a blessing in disguise, you know, you’ve got to work. You know it’s a contract year.”
It’s the third straight contract year for Robertson.
“But my mentality is no different,” he stressed. “If I sign an eight-year deal or one-year deal, my mindset is coming in and working hard and improving myself.”
Robertson earned a good review for his first practice.
“He was noticeable,” said Berube. “That is what he is: a quick player. He shot pucks today, and they went in the net. He was intense.”
Robertson skated on a line with Steven Lorentz and Scott Laughton, who both project to play in the opening-night lineup.
But the battle for roster spots up front will be intense. Another line at Thursday’s practice featured veterans David Kampf, Calle Jarnkrok and newcomer Michael Pezzetta.
“There’s competition here in camp,” Berube said. “We all know that. That’ll play itself out. I mean, a guy deserves to be on the team and, you know, deserves to start, then he’s probably going to start.”
Robertson, who is the shortest Leafs player at 5-foot-9, worked a lot on battle drills in August to prepare to earn a job.
“Really focusing on using my body as a strength and getting low,” he said. “And we did a lot of one-on-ones towards the end of summer. What I really work on is being confident coming to the season.”
Robertson, who is a lefty playing on the right wing, acknowledges he can do a better job picking the puck off the wall. Berube was quick to point out that Robertson isn’t alone in that department.
“It’s not just Nick on the battles and the wall play,” he said. “It’s our whole team. It’s something that we focused on this summer, getting better in those areas. So he’s not the only one, just so you guys know.”
Robertson believes hard work will pay off to earn bigger role: ‘I know what I’m capable of’ Nick Robertson didn’t get to contribute during the playoffs last season as he had hoped for the Leafs but he is confident that the work he is putting in will pay off. Robertson also spoke about signing a one-year extension, saying his mentality doesn’t change when entering a contract year.
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Thursday’s practice ended with a battle drill. Stolarz tripped up defenceman Philippe Myers after getting knocked down in his crease.
“I’m a pretty competitive guy,” Stolarz said with a grin. “I’m sure you guys saw me out there with Phil today. I like to compete, and I think that’s the best part.”
That wasn’t the only feisty moment.
Young forwards Easton Cowan and Landon Sim, who helped the London Knights win the Memorial Cup only a few months ago, went at it hard.
“It’s a tough day,” Berube said. “It’s a lot of battling. Players can go out and make it as intense as they want, but I thought it was really intense, which is what we want. Today is about work, compete, and second and third efforts. I thought both groups did a good job of it.”
The message was sent loud and clear.
“We want to play hard,” McMann said. “Don’t take any shifts off. Don’t take any seconds off. Pushing each other all the way through. It started from the first drill. You’re chasing the guy down all the way through. You’re playing one-on-ones, two-on-two, it’s just not giving up an inch.”
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Brothers William Nylander and Alex Nylander faced off during one battle drill rep.
“He wanted some against me all summer,” William said with a laugh. “Hopefully it’ll happen tomorrow again.”
Alex signed a one-year American Hockey League deal with the Toronto Marlies last season and parlayed that into an NHL contract after the Leafs faced a flurry of injuries up front. Alex played five games for the Leafs and lived with his big brother during the season.
“We’re so close,” William said. “We hang out all summer long. But, I mean, it was crazy, especially when we were in the NHL together, going to the rink and practising together and getting that part. Going to the plane, you know, going out on the road together, it’s pretty crazy. It was a lot of fun and hopefully it can happen again.”
Alex once again signed a one-year deal with the Marlies this summer.
Leafs Ice Chips: Nylander brothers faceoff in battle drill as Berube sets the tone The Maple Leafs wasted no time ramping up the intensity at training camp. The NHL regulars split into two different groups on Thursday and each session ended in battle drills that brought out the fight in the players. TSN’s Mark Masters has more on the energetic action in Toronto.
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Leafs defenceman Chris Tanev is among those caught up in the Toronto Blue Jays playoff push.
“I love baseball,” the 35-year-old said with his trademark toothy grin. “Playoff baseball I think, is definitely some of the best sports you can watch. Every pitch, every little thing matters so much. So, yeah, once that happens, I’ll definitely even be more invested than I am now.”
Tanev got out to a couple Jays games in the summer in Toronto and met his doppelganger Kevin Gausman.
“It’s the first time for me to be down on the field and watching some guys hit, watch what they do to warm up and just say ‘Hi,’” said the Toronto native. “Amazing to bring my son and my brother [Brandon]. It was just a cool experience overall.”
Does he ever go with it when a fan confuses him for the 34-year-old Jays pitcher?
“That’s only happened a few times,” Tanev said. “But, no, I’m not very good at the, um, (smile) not too witty, as you would say.”
Tanev invested in Jays run after meeting doppelganger Gausman Chris Tanev is a baseball fan and is gearing up for some Blue Jays playoff action, where he will enjoy watching his doppelganger Kevin Gausman. Tanev has been confused for the Jays’ pitcher a few times out in public but says he’s not witty enough to play along.
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Lines at Leafs practices on Thursday:
GROUP 1
Knies – Matthews – Maccelli
Lorentz – Laughton – Robertson
Pezzetta – Kampf – Jarnkrok
Barbolini – Groulx – Tverberg
Valis
Rielly – Carlo
Thrun – Myers
Rifai – Danford
Chadwick – Benning
Stolarz
Hildeby
GROUP 2
McMann – Tavares – W.Nylander
Joshua – Roy – Cowan
A.Nylander – Haymes – Boyd
Sim – Quillan – Lettieri
Holinka
McCabe – Tanev
Ekman-Larsson – Benoit
Prokop -Mermis
Webber – Villeneuve
Woll
Akhtyamov