Unique connection with Rocky Thompson can help NY Islanders prospect rebound

The 2025–26 season is a pivotal one for New York Islanders prospect Matthew Maggio as he aims to prove he’s more than just a high-scoring junior player. After dominating the OHL and earning Most Outstanding Player honors, Maggio entered the pro ranks with momentum, but his first two AHL seasons showed the adjustment curve is steep.

Now, with a year of experience and a new head coach in Rocky Thompson, this season represents a fresh start and perhaps a crucial turning point in his journey to the NHL. Maggio has a unique connection with Thompson, who was the head coach in Windsor when Maggio’s father was the team’s trainer. “I’ve known Rocky personally for a long time,” Maggio said during the Islanders' developmental camp. “It’s pretty cool to reconnect and catch up—not just about hockey, but about our families. That familiarity helps.”

The familiarity could go a long way toward building trust and giving Maggio the guidance he needs to elevate his game. Thompson is known as a demanding but fair coach, one who emphasizes habits, detail, and accountability. For a player like Maggio, who’s looking to translate his offensive skill into a complete, NHL-ready package, that structure might be the missing piece. “He wants us to develop the right habits so that when we get the chance to come up, we’re ready, not just to fit in, but to contribute,” Maggio said.

With the Islanders emphasizing internal development under GM Mathieu Darche, this is a prime opportunity for Maggio to stand out. He’ll need to produce offensively, but also show he can handle responsibilities at both ends of the ice. If he can thrive under Thompson’s watch and earn high-leverage minutes in Bridgeport, he could position himself to be back on the NHL radar. For Maggio, this season isn’t just important; it could be defining and his best chance to reset his trajectory.