Oilers Should Target Utah’s Matias Maccelli

The Edmonton Oilers don’t seem to be too aggressive in terms of making a trade just for the sake of shaking things up as they look to make another deep run into the postseason. With the 2025 Trade Deadline approaching, there will be plenty of options available for them to target depending on what they plan on bolstering as they chase their first Stanley Cup since 1990. They made some moves entering the 2024-25 season, as well as the recent addition of John Klingberg, but could still make some changes.

One thing they could look to improve is their forward depth, and one player could be made available to them depending on the success of another team. The Utah Hockey Club is fighting to stay in the playoff race, but if they are on the outside looking in at the trade deadline, they could become sellers. One player they could look to move is forward Matias Maccelli and the Oilers should be targeting him if he’s made available. 

Related: Oilers Should Target Utah’s Karel Vejmelka

Maccelli, who is 24 years old, has scored eight goals and added 10 assists for 18 points through 52 games this season. Throughout his career, he has scored 37 goals and added 93 assists for 130 points through 221 games which comes out to a 0.59 points-per-game average. He has established himself as a strong offensive player with a sound defensive game, he seems to just be struggling a bit this season in terms of finding his confidence with the puck on his stick, which could lead to him being traded for a fresh start. He has been a healthy scratch several times in recent games, and insider Elliotte Friedman mentions him to be a player to watch at the deadline. 

The Oilers may have to settle for making depth additions at the upcoming trade deadline, as they likely don’t have the cap space or assets to make a massive splash, and Maccelli falls into that category. He has a $3.425 million cap hit and is extended through the 2025-26 season making him an enticing target for any contending team if they’re more interested in bringing in players with term left on their contract rather than rentals. If he has truly fallen out of turn with Utah, Maccelli being traded makes perfect sense, and the Oilers should be all over him. 

What Would a Trade Look Like?

The Oilers will likely have to move some things around to keep Maccelli around past this season, but it’s something they should consider making work. He is a very skilled forward who would fit well in their scheme and as a depth player in their bottom six. Utah will be a strong team down the line, but for now, they don’t have a strong enough lineup to be considered contenders by any means. Maccelli joining the Oilers with stronger linemates could be the change of scenery he needs to get his career back on track. 

Realistically, a trade likely looks like the Oilers acquiring Maccelli in exchange for their 2025 third-round pick, and their 2026 fourth-round pick. I wouldn’t expect Utah to ask for much more than draft capital for a player who has fallen out of turn, especially as it clears up some cap space for them while giving them future assets. 

There is no guarantee he will get moved, but if he does, the Oilers should be all over him. That won’t be the only move they will need to make to give themselves the best chance of winning a Stanley Cup, but it would be a strong start. They have just 10 days to decide what their plans are for the final stretch of the season, as does every team, and we’ll see what happens.  

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