Matias Maccelli sees Islanders as good fit, hopes to provide boost offensively
· Yahoo Sports
Matias Maccelli had plenty of suitors after being non-tendered by the Maple Leafs this offseason.
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Maccelli spoke with several different teams around the league ahead of the free agency process, but after meeting with the Islanders’ staff, he knew this was where he wanted to be.
He quickly joined New York on a one-year pact on the opening day of free agency.
“I’ve only heard good things about the area, fans, and the organization,” he told Cory Wright of Islanders.com. “We had a good conversation and I felt that it was, or will be, a good fit.”
Maccelli hasn’t been to the Island yet, but he’s already received a warm welcome from his some of new teammates.
The hope is that he’ll be able to provide a boost for them offensively.
“There are a lot of good players on this team,” the winger said. “I think I can add more on the offensive-side -- they like the way I play and how I create offense, we chatted about the opportunity I would have and it sounded good.”
Maccelli has been a bit streaky performer thus far in his NHL career.
He quickly fell out of favor with Toronto, producing just 14 goals and 25 assists across 71 games after being acquired in an offseason deal with the Utah Mammoth.
Two years before that, though, he put up career-best showings in Arizona.
Now joining another new club on a one-year prove-it deal, the 25-year-old will look to regain that form and provide a boost for New York’s middle-six and power-play.
“I think it’s a big year for me,” he said. “I just want to come in here in good shape, and hopefully I get a chance to play with these guys, and do my best and help this team win.”