NY Islanders take smart low risk gamble on Matias Maccelli in NHL free agency

Mathieu Darche was never expected to make the biggest splash on the opening day of NHL free agency. Instead, the New York Islanders general manager appears focused on finding value opportunities, and his reported signing of forward Matias Maccelli fits that strategy perfectly.

According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, Maccelli has agreed to a one year contract worth $2.25 million with the Islanders after becoming an unrestricted free agent earlier this week when the Toronto Maple Leafs declined to extend him a qualifying offer.

At 25 years old, Maccelli represents exactly the type of calculated gamble teams should be pursuing. The Finnish forward possesses undeniable offensive talent, excellent playmaking instincts and the ability to create scoring opportunities in ways that cannot easily be taught. He recorded 14 goals and 25 assists in 71 games with Toronto last season after being acquired from the Utah Mammoth.

Of course, there is a reason Maccelli is joining his third organization in three seasons.

Questions surrounding his defensive play and overall consistency have prevented him from establishing himself as a permanent top six forward despite receiving opportunities throughout his career. His offensive skill has never been questioned. His ability to earn and maintain a significant role at the NHL level has been.

For Darche and the Islanders, however, that is precisely what makes this signing so appealing. At just $2.25 million on a one year commitment, the financial risk is minimal. If Maccelli can rediscover the form that helped him produce back to back 50 plus point seasons with Arizona, the Islanders could uncover a legitimate top six contributor at a bargain price.

The opportunity will almost certainly be there on Long Island. What Maccelli does with it could determine whether this becomes one of the smartest under the radar signings of the summer or simply another stop in a talented player's search for consistency.

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