The NHL currently boasts at least eight teams with strong aspirations to win the Stanley Cup in 2024. One move can send a contender into the abyss or provide the margin of victory next spring. A look at the best offseason moves:
It’s easy to overlook the Arizona Coyotes organization, as it’s as close to a modern version of the California Golden Seals as you’re likely to find. Headlines careen from the team leaving town to a vote on yet another new arena as often as the wind changes direction.That shouldn’t obscure good hockey decisions, and the signing of Matias Maccelli to a three-year deal with a cap hit of $3.425 million is one of the very best this summer.
He has just one full season in the NHL and shoots the puck on net less than one time per game. However,He scored 2.21 points per 60 at five-on-five, including a 0.96 first-assist per 60 total with the Coyotes in 2022-23. He’s not famous, but he will be soon. There isn’t much on his NHL resume, but this is exactly the kind of contract every team should be signing with a player who spikes early.
Arizona fans, convinced they can’t have nice things, may be worried over this player being dealt to a smart club like theThe concern is fair. Maccelli would be an ideal target for a club looking for an above average young player on a value contract.