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In an unexpected turn of events, the Montreal Canadiens are reportedly on the verge of signing Matias Maccelli, a forward who has struggled to reach the heights many had once predicted for him. While the Finnish winger has shown flashes of brilliance in his young career, his inconsistent performances have raised questions about his ability to fulfill his potential. However, the Canadiens seem confident that they can help Maccelli reach new levels, and with a hefty $10 million contract on the table, this move has left many fans and analysts wondering if Montreal’s front office is making a bold gamble or potentially a savvy move to secure a hidden gem.

Who is Matias Maccelli?

Matias Maccelli, born in Turku, Finland, is a forward with great potential who was originally drafted by the Arizona Coyotes in the fourth round of the 2019 NHL Draft. Standing at 5’10” and weighing in at 185 pounds, Maccelli isn’t the largest player on the ice, but his speed, hockey IQ, and playmaking abilities have always been his standout attributes.

Maccelli’s rookie season in the NHL saw flashes of promise, particularly during his time with the Coyotes. His offensive instincts and ability to create plays were evident, but his inconsistency in his two-way game and overall contribution to his team raised concerns. Throughout his career, Maccelli has shown the ability to be a strong playmaker, particularly on the power play, where his vision and passing can open up lanes for his teammates. However, he has struggled to maintain a consistent level of production, especially in a full 82-game season.

During his most recent season, Maccelli posted decent numbers, tallying 35 points in 63 games, but he was far from the breakout star that many had hoped he would become. Despite his solid offensive numbers, Maccelli’s defensive game remained a liability, and his overall impact on the ice was often overshadowed by his lack of consistency. His struggles to maintain offensive productivity and his inability to provide enough defensively made it unclear what role he could play for a contending team, which likely prompted the Coyotes to let him go.

Why Montreal?

Montreal’s decision to go after Maccelli, despite his struggles, may seem perplexing at first glance. The Canadiens have undergone a full-scale rebuild since 2021, and their focus has primarily been on acquiring younger talent that can help them become contenders in the future. With a core that includes exciting prospects like Cole Caufield, Nick Suzuki, and Juraj Slafkovsky, it would seem that Montreal would be better off investing in players who are already established or on an upward trajectory. So, why take a chance on a player like Maccelli?

First and foremost, Maccelli represents an opportunity to buy low on a player with undeniable talent. While he has struggled to put everything together, the potential is still there. The Canadiens have a track record of developing players, particularly young forwards, and the team’s coaching staff, led by Martin St. Louis, has been known for helping players reach their full potential. Under the guidance of St. Louis, players like Suzuki and Caufield have taken their games to new heights, and the hope is that Maccelli can follow suit.

The Canadiens may also see Maccelli as a potential solution to their scoring woes. Despite their strong development of young talent, Montreal has had trouble generating consistent offense in recent seasons. Maccelli’s ability to make plays and create opportunities could be an asset to a team that needs to boost its offensive output. His playmaking ability could also complement Montreal’s up-and-coming stars, such as Caufield and Suzuki, who thrive in fast-paced, high-tempo systems.

The $10 Million Gamble

The most surprising aspect of Montreal’s pursuit of Maccelli is the reported $10 million contract that the Canadiens are prepared to offer him. Given Maccelli’s current struggles, it raises the question: is this a risky gamble, or could this deal represent a potential steal for the Canadiens?

On the surface, offering such a significant contract to a player with Maccelli’s level of inconsistency seems risky. A $10 million deal would put him among the highest-paid forwards on the team, and if he doesn’t live up to expectations, the Canadiens could find themselves in a difficult position, especially as they look to build a competitive team around their young core. That being said, the Canadiens may be looking at this deal with a longer-term perspective. If Maccelli is able to develop into a more consistent player and realize his potential under St. Louis’s tutelage, then $10 million could prove to be a bargain.

One possible explanation for the generous contract offer could be Montreal’s desire to add a dynamic forward with upside while still having enough cap space to surround him with talent. The Canadiens are not in a win-now mode, but they do need to start building a competitive team in the coming seasons, and adding someone like Maccelli could help accelerate that process. His skill set, particularly his vision and playmaking, would be a valuable addition to a team looking to increase their offensive efficiency.

Development and Fit Within the Canadiens’ System

If the deal goes through, Maccelli will need to adjust to a new system and prove that he can contribute on a consistent basis. Montreal’s coaching staff has been praised for their development of young players, and it is clear that the Canadiens see Maccelli as someone they can help refine. In particular, the Canadiens’ emphasis on speed and quick transition play should suit Maccelli’s style of play, as he thrives in up-tempo systems that allow him to use his vision and creativity to generate offensive chances.

However, Maccelli will need to improve his two-way game, which has been a major criticism of his play so far. His defensive consistency has been a weak point, and if he is going to justify a $10 million contract, he will need to become more reliable on both sides of the puck. Fortunately for Maccelli, the Canadiens have a deep commitment to defensive responsibility, and they may be able to help him improve this area of his game as well.

A Risk Worth Taking?

While the decision to sign Maccelli to a $10 million deal may be considered a gamble, there is also plenty of upside if the Canadiens are able to unlock his full potential. His offensive ability, combined with the guidance of a coaching staff known for developing talent, makes this signing an intriguing one. The risk is high, but the reward could be significant if Maccelli is able to find his stride in Montreal’s system.

For Canadiens fans, the question remains: is Matias Maccelli the type of player who can help lead the team back to contention, or will this deal go down as a costly mistake? Only time will tell, but if Montreal can help Maccelli tap into his true potential, they may have just acquired one of the most underrated forwards in the league. The next chapter in Maccelli’s career is about to unfold in Montreal, and it’s one that hockey fans across the league will be watching closely.