With the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline approaching on March 7, the Utah Hockey Club (27-25-9) sit two points out of the last wild card spot in the Western Conference. Utah has won three out of its last four games. Regardless of whether general manager Bill Armstrong decides the team should be sellers or buyers in several days, one player Utah could look to move is forward Matias Maccelli.
Related: Sean Durzi’s Return Reinforces Utah HC’s Playoff Aspirations
The 24-year-old has been a healthy scratch in six consecutive games. He is on pace to finish with his worst offensive numbers over the previous three seasons. NHL analyst David Pagnotta provided an update on Armstrong’s approach with Maccelli.
Utah GM Bill Armstrong isn't itching to make trade, but he is cautiously exploring the market. If he tries to upgrade his roster, especially for someone with term, it sound like F Matias Maccelli could be part of a deal. He's believed to be a piece they are dangling.
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) March 4, 2025
Let’s take a look at what realistic acquisitions could be for Utah if Maccelli was dealt to another team.
What Does Maccelli Provide to Teams?
Maccelli is a playmaking forward with gifted vision when he has the puck on his stick. The 5-foot-11, 176-pounder is a middle-six winger who can play on either side of the ice. When he’s at his best, he can be utilized as a second-line player who plays on the power play.
The Finnish forward is coming off a record-setting campaign, logging career highs in goals (17), assists (40) and points (57) in the 2023-24 season. Maccelli was a part of arguably the Arizona Coyotes’ best line from last season. This season, the seesaw has dipped in the other direction: The third line consisting of Maccelli, Lawson Crouse and Nick Bjugstad struggled to match the same offensive production as last season.
The left-hand shot has two years left on his contract, worth $3.4 million average annual value (AAV).
Possible Return Assets for Maccelli
If Utah were buyers in the coming days, they need to add a true top-six winger. Here’s a look at the team’s latest lineup from its game against the New Jersey Devils on March 1:
Let’s get loud, Utah! pic.twitter.com/3ZQyPfjGrw
— Utah Hockey Club (@utahhockeyclub) March 2, 2025
Some may question if forward Alex Kerfoot is a good option in the top six. Given he’s played a bottom-six and penalty-killing role this season, there are better options out there. As of late, forward Michael Carcone has also seen time in Kerfoot’s spot on the second-line left-wing position.
A potential target could be New York Islanders forward Brock Nelson. New York sits six spots and five points out of the last wild card spot in the Eastern Conference. The 33-year-old would provide veteran leadership to an overall younger top six. The 6-foot-2, 210-pounder has accumulated 19 goals and 22 assists for 41 points in 60 games.
Most likely, Utah will need to send a prospect or draft pick along with Maccelli to acquire Nelson. Maccelli provides some youth to an aging Islanders’ forward core. Nelson brings eight seasons’ worth of playoff hockey.
Arsmtrong could look to bring back a former Coyote in Buffalo Sabres forward Jason Zucker. Buffalo holds the worst record in the Eastern Conference and could look to move on from the 44-point scorer this season. The 33-year-old is a scrappy middle-six winger who can play on the penalty kill and power play. Maccelli would be another young forward for the Sabres’ developing roster.
Utah could probably acquire Zucker one-for-one for Maccelli or bring back some draft capital.
On the flip side, if Armstrong feels it’s best to sell at the deadline, Maccelli could be used to improve the team’s prospect pool or draft stock.
How Are Maccelli and Utah Handling the Situation?
“Everybody wants to play. Nobody wants to sit around and do nothing,” Maccelli said. “I’m here to do my job and not think of that stuff. I’ll leave it at that” (from ‘Utah Hockey Club’s Matias Maccelli is on the outside looking in right now,’ The Salt Lake Tribune, March 3, 2025).
To no one’s surprise, any 57-point scorer would be upset if they were being healthy scratched night in and night out.
“It’s not a role he wants. Nobody wants to be in that situation,” Utah head coach André Tourigny said. “But we appreciate his attitude and his engagement in the group. I think he’s handled himself very well.”
Despite being in an unfavorable situation, Maccelli knows what is at stake for Utah in its inaugural NHL season.
“Obviously things change all the time,” Maccelli said. “Just trying to work hard every day and make myself better. That’s all I can do pretty much. Stay positive around here — these are big games we need to win if we want to make the playoffs.”
Only time will tell if Maccelli stays put in Utah or is shipped out come March 7.
