The New York Islanders announced today that they have reached an agreement with forward Matias Maccelli, inking the 25‑year‑old to a one‑year contract for the upcoming season. The move comes as the club looks to bolster its forward depth and add a versatile player who can contribute both offensively and defensively.
Maccelli arrives after a season in which he posted 39 points — 14 goals and 25 assists — in 71 games for the Toronto Maple Leafs, marking a career‑high in production. The Finnish native, who was drafted 98th overall by the Arizona Coyotes in 2019, has steadily progressed through the NHL pipeline, earning a spot on the 2022‑23 All‑Rookie team.
His development has been marked by several milestones: a standout rookie campaign that earned him a place on the NHL All‑Rookie team, a Liiga Rookie of the Year award in Finland during the 2019‑20 season, and a stint with the Tucson Roadrunners where he led the AHL team in scoring with 57 points. Internationally, Maccelli has represented Finland at the World Junior Championship and the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament.
Maccelli's Journey Through the Minor Leagues
Maccelli's professional path began in Finland's Liiga with Ilves, where his offensive output caught the attention of NHL scouts. After being selected by the Coyotes, he moved to North America, spending two seasons with the Dubuque Fighting Saints before making the jump to the AHL's Tucson Roadrunners. His consistent scoring there set the stage for his NHL debut with the Maple Leafs.
Now, with a fresh contract in hand, Maccelli is poised to bring his experience and offensive flair to New York's lineup. Fans can expect to see him paired with veteran centers and given opportunities on the power play, where his vision and shot could prove decisive.