During what has mostly been a rough year for the Coyotes, Matias Maccelli has thrived. The 2019 4th-round pick has turned heads as he is in the same conversation as Matty Beniers and Owen Power for the Calder Trophy. Coming into the season, there were little expectations for Maccelli, especially on a rebuilding Coyotes team with not much offense. This has not been the case for Maccelli as he is having a breakout season in the desert. Much of this success is due to his amazing passing skill set and having that sixth sense on the ice.
What is helping Arizona Coyotes Matias Maccelli have a breakout rookie campaign, and can it continue into next year?
Who is Matias Maccelli?
When looking at the top candidates for this year’s Calder Trophy, many look and wonder who Matias Maccelli is. Maccelli, who is just 22 years old, was drafted with the 98th pick in the 2019 NHL (National Hockey League) Entry Draft. Playing with the Arizona Coyotes AHL (American Hockey League) affiliate, the Tucson Roadrunners last year, he exceeded expectations. He notched 14 goals and showed his elusive passing abilities recording 43 assists.
That success from last year has led to a phenomenal rookie year this season. As stated above, Maccelli has been known to be more of a pass-first type of player. Head Coach Andre Tourigny jokingly said “I always joke to him, I say, ‘You can pass the puck to their goalie,’” Tourigny said. “I don’t say, ‘Shoot the puck.’ I say, ‘Pass the puck in the mesh.’” Maccelli has 37 assists on the year and looking elite whenever he has the puck on his stick.
Breakout Season Will Led to Many More With Coyotes
Right now, Maccelli leads all rookies with 0.75 points per game. If it wasn’t for the 18 games he missed due to injury, he could very well lead all rookies in points. Bill Armstrong also had some positive words regarding Maccellis play saying this. “He’s been one of the driving forces of our team,” Coyotes general manager Bill Armstrong said. “He just creates so much with his skating, puck handling and elite passing.”
Right now, Maccelli is on pace for 38 assists which would be the second most in Coyotes history by a rookie. The only one who had more is none other than Clayton Keller. Despite being one of the top rookies this year, Maccelli is already looking ahead to next year, saying this “I’m still not the biggest guy out there, but there’s a little more weight on me and a little more strength,” Maccelli said. “That was the biggest thing.” With Maccelli looking more and more comfortable each game, it will only lead to more success.
Calder Trophy Odds
The desired Calder Trophy. The award goes to the NHL’s best rookie. Right now, the fourth-round pick is in the talks of winning. As it stands now, Arizona Coyotes Matias Maccelli is second in the NHL with 46 points. He is ten points behind the former second-overall draft pick Matty Beniers, who has been on a tear in Seattle. While the injury he sustained hurts his case, it should not define the season he has. Here are some quotes on what voters think of Maccelli.
“I think Matty Beniers and [Buffalo defenseman] Owen Power are the top two, but there are probably six guys who could have a case for third,” one voter said. “I think [Vegas goalie] Logan Thompson would be third for me. Maccelli’s per-game numbers and not relying on power-play inflated stats make a strong case for him, but Thompson probably deserves a little extra credit if it’s a coin flip between the two for essentially saving Vegas’ season.”
Another voter goes on to say “He’s definitely on my ballot and I want to say he’s maybe third right now as I think about it,” another voter wrote. “I’ve been most impressed by his playmaking ability and how he seems to be in the right place all the time. He’s really given the Coyotes a complementary player to add to the guys they want to fill the net, be it [Clayton] Keller or [Lawson] Crouse.” The Coyotes have a bright future ahead when Maccelli plays.
Main Photo: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
