General manager John Chayka announced that the Arizona Coyotes made a signing today. They signed left winger Matias Maccelli to a three-year entry-level contract. However, the terms of the contract were not released.
Official: Per GM John Chayka we have signed forward Matias Maccelli to a three-year entry-level contract. https://t.co/rwVhUZIKMs
— Arizona Coyotes (@ArizonaCoyotes) April 28, 2020
Coyotes Ink Matias Maccelli
Maccelli is a 19-year-old who played most of his hockey in Finland. He came to the USHL for parts of two seasons and put up some solid numbers there. However, this past season he returned to Liiga where he put up 30 points in 43 games. This is pretty impressive for a 19-year-old in any pro league. Maccelli was drafted by Arizona in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. Taken 98th overall as an early fourth-round pick, there is some upside for Matias Maccelli.
The forward represented Finland in the under 20 World Jr Championships, where he had five points for his country. He will take some time to develop but there is potential and tools for Arizona to work with.
What This Means for the Future
This signing isn’t a huge deal. However, getting prospects signed to entry-level deals can be a big plus for an organization. This may now allow or convince Maccelli to move back to North America and develop in the AHL with Arizona’s affiliate. From here, they can have direct control over his minutes, development, and patterns. Helping to form a good relationship with the team but also good habits for a teenager.
Development is always crucial with late-round picks. This signing won’t make much of an impact in the immediate future, however, the Coyotes certainly hope he can help down the road. Arizona is one of the closest teams to the cap currently, and if they hope to re-sign Taylor Hall things may stay that way for a while. Getting cheap production out of self-developed guys like Maccelli is a huge part of an organization’s success.
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