NY Islanders coach Pete DeBoer has been a big fan of Matias Maccelli's game

New York Islanders head coach Pete DeBoer believes newly signed forward Matias Maccelli has the talent to become an impactful addition to the club's lineup, citing firsthand experience from coaching against the skilled winger during his time in the Western Conference.

In a video released by the Islanders on social media following Maccelli's signing, DeBoer personally welcomed the 25-year-old forward and offered praise for the game that made him one of the NHL's more intriguing young playmakers just a few seasons ago.

"You know what, I have been a big fan of your game," DeBoer said during the video call. "I coached obviously in Dallas and Vegas, saw you come in through Phoenix. You were dangerous almost every night in the games when we would play against you guys. You know, you were playing with a lot of confidence, you were playing with a lot of skill."

The endorsement from DeBoer underscores the opportunity awaiting Maccelli on Long Island after signing a one-year contract with the Islanders. A member of the 2022-23 all rookie-team Maccelli, finished fourth in Calder Trophy voting. registering 49 points (11G, 38A) in 64 games. Now, after a season where he showed flashes with the Toronto Maple Leafs, general manager Mathieu Darche acquires the skilled, pass-first winger on a low-risk, high-reward deal.

Darche expressed confidence that Maccelli fills an important need for the Islanders, who have spent recent seasons searching for additional offensive creativity, particularly on the power play.

Maccelli is expected to receive an opportunity to compete for a top-six role entering training camp and could immediately factor into the Islanders' power-play plans. The Isles' man-advantage unit has struggled to consistently perform above league average in recent years, making Maccelli's vision and playmaking ability especially valuable.

The one-year contract also creates flexibility for both sides.

If Maccelli rediscovers the form that made him one of Arizona's emerging young forwards, he will remain a restricted free agent next summer, giving the Islanders the opportunity to turn this prove-it contract into a longer-term commitment.

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