NY Islanders Prospect Matthew Maggio Named OHL Player of the Week

As the NY Islanders prospect pool dwindles further down the league rankings, Matthew Maggio is becoming one of the franchise's most promising youngsters. Named the OHL Player of the Week for the second time this season, Maggio put on a show in an unbeaten week for the Windsor Spitfires.

The Spitfires began their week on Thursday, hosting the Soo Greyhounds in the first of a three-game homestand. Maggio opened the game, scoring his first of the night just 4:50 in. He later closed the door on the Greyhounds, burying an empty netter seel a 7-4 Windsor victory.

Saturday, the Spitfires faced a visit from the Hamilton Bulldogs. The two had a fierce matchup in the OHL playoffs last season, with Maggio's Spitfires being eliminated from Memorial Cup contention. Though it likely won't heal the wound from last season, Maggio found the score sheet three times, contributing two goals and an assist. With just under four minutes to play in the second period, Maggio scored what would be the game-winning goal before adding another empty netter, as Windsor got the best of Hamilton, 6-3.

The following night, Maggio put on a show against the Owen Sound Attack, tying a career-high five points. Sending the Spits out to a 1-0 lead with his 40th goal of the campaign, Maggio added four assists, including the 100th of his career, en route to an 8-1 victory.

Maggio was passed on during his draft-eligible year in 2021, failing to make much of an impact with his 14 points (three goals, 11 assists) in the OHL's first season since the pandemic began. Once Maggio became more comfortable playing major junior hockey, he exploded for 85 points (38 goals, 47 assists) in his draft year plus one.

Lou Lamoriello and the Islanders' front office took a chance on the overager when they selected him in the fifth round (142 overall) in 2022. So far, it seems as if the gamble is paying off.

Maggio is currently leading the OHL in goals (40) and points (79) as the Spitfires sit atop the OHL's Western Conference. Since Windsor acquired the 2022 fourth overall pick, Shane Wright, Maggio has taken his game to another level as the two push for the Memorial Cup in their final year before turning full-time professionals.