Craig Berube on evaluating Matias Maccelli's fit on Matthews' line: "Is he getting Matthews the puck enough for opportunities? That line plays against good lines, so he needs to be solid defensively, too"

"It is just the intensity of practice, more than anything. We want to have a good first day. It is a tough day; there is a lot of battling, and it is intense. 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."

"It is a good question. It's one day, and he is in the process of feeling things out. When you get thrown on a line with Matthews and Knies, it is a big step. He is a guy who can make plays - we all know that - so that is going to be a big part of it. Is he making the right plays and the right decisions with the puck? Is he getting Matthews the puck enough for opportunities?"

Practice opened with clearly defined line combinations across two groups, including Maccelli skating with Matthews and Knies and McMann with Tavares and William Nylander. Coach prioritized a high-intensity, competitive first day focused on work, battling, and sustained second- and third-effort plays. Maccelli faces a significant step riding with top players and must show playmaking, correct puck decisions, and ability to feed Matthews scoring chances. Defensive responsibility and full-ice play were emphasized given matchups against strong opposing lines. The camp also featured depth forward and defensive pair rotations and goaltender groupings as staff evaluate fit and chemistry.

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