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Matias Maccelli has all the incentive in the world to succeed in his first season with the NY Islanders

Mar 15, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matias Maccelli skates for the puck against the Minnesota Wild at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Mar 15, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matias Maccelli skates for the puck against the Minnesota Wild at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

During the 2022-23 season, his first full season as an NHLer, Matias Maccelli recorded 49 points (11 G, 38 A) in just 64 games with the Arizona Coyotes. He followed his rookie season with an impressive sophomore campaign, racking up a career-high 57 points (17 G, 40 A), staying healthy for a full season and playing all 82 games.

When the Coyotes relocated to Salt Lake City and became the Utah Hockey Club, Maccelli suffered significantly, totaling 18 points (8 G, 10 A) for the newly formed franchise. Signing with the Toronto Maple Leafs last summer, Maccelli took steps towards returning to form, scoring 14 goals and adding 25 assists. Though he had a decent season, the Maple Leafs allowed Maccelli to walk in free agency.

On July 1, the 25-year-old signed a one-year deal with the NY Islanders, where he'll likely be given every chance to succeed on a team desperate for goals. Playing mostly third-line minutes in Toronto, Maccelli will surely see some time alongside Mat Barzal and Bo Horvat, including time on the power play.

"There are a lot of good players on this team," the winger said. "I think I can add more on the offensive side - they like the way I play and how I create offense. We chatted about the opportunity I would have, and it sounded good."

Playing on a one-year deal, Maccelli has the incentive to return to the days when he was putting up 50+ points. He and the Islanders could both benefit from this deal, and if successful, Maccelli could see himself in blue and orange for years to come.

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