The Utah Mammoth's inaugural season has prompted serious evaluation of their roster, and one name consistently mentioned in trade discussions is Matias Maccelli. While Maccelli possesses undeniable skill, several factors point towards the necessity of the Mammoth moving on from the young forward.
Maccelli's struggles during the 2024-2025 season were a significant concern. After a promising start to his NHL career with the Arizona Coyotes, Maccelli's production dipped considerably in Utah. He saw his goal total plummet from 17 to just 8, and his ice time diminished, as he found himself out of favor with head coach Andre Tourigny. He even was a healthy scratch for 13 straight games at one point. This sharp decline in performance is a red flag, suggesting that Maccelli may not be the right fit for the Mammoth's system or that he hasn't adapted well to the change in environment.
Despite his diminished point production, Maccelli's underlying metrics remained strong, even improved from the previous year. He contributed significantly to shot assists and rush offense, indicating that his struggles might not be solely attributable to a lack of skill or effort, but possibly deployment or linemate chemistry. However, hockey is a results-oriented business. The Mammoth need players who can translate potential into tangible offensive output, and Maccelli's inability to do so consistently makes him a prime candidate for a trade.
The Mammoth are in a unique position as they head into the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. Holding the fourth overall pick, they have a valuable asset that could be used to acquire a player who better fits their long-term vision. Reports indicate that the Mammoth are seeking a young, top-six forward in return for the pick. Rather than moving a roster player down the lineup, trading Maccelli opens up an additional roster spot, and could allow them to add to the top 6 group of Clayton Keller, Logan Cooley and others.
Maccelli's existing contract, a three-year deal with a $3.43 million cap hit, adds another layer to the situation. While not an exorbitant amount, it's a significant investment for a player who hasn't consistently performed at the level expected. Trading Maccelli would free up cap space, providing the Mammoth with greater financial flexibility to pursue other acquisitions or re-sign key players.
Several teams have been rumored to be interested in acquiring Maccelli, including the Minnesota Wild, San Jose Sharks, and New York Islanders. A potential trade with the Wild involving Marco Rossi has been discussed, which would see the Mammoth acquire a promising center with offensive upside. The Sharks and Islanders, both in need of offensive production, could also offer valuable assets in exchange for Maccelli.
Ultimately, trading Matias Maccelli would be a strategic move for the Utah Mammoth. It would address the need for improved offensive output, create roster flexibility, and allow the team to acquire assets that better align with their long-term goals. While Maccelli has the potential to be a valuable player, his struggles in Utah suggest that a change of scenery would benefit both him and the team. By making this move, the Mammoth can continue to build a competitive roster and solidify their foundation for future success.
