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The Arizona Coyotes have made several small moves during the current shutdown. Today they made one of their least surprising, signing forward Matias Maccelli to a three-year, entry-level contract.
Official: Per GM John Chayka we have signed forward Matias Maccelli to a three-year entry-level contract. https://t.co/rwVhUZIKMs
— Arizona Coyotes (@ArizonaCoyotes) April 28, 2020
The Finish native was originally drafted in the fourth round, 98th overall, at the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. At the time it may have looked like a bit of a reach, although Maccelli did come off a good season in with the Dubuque Fighting Saints in the USHL.
This past season Maccelli played for Ilves in Liiga and in his rookie season, he finished with 13 goals and 17 assists in 43 games. He also had a stellar World Juniors where he was a key piece for Team Finland, earning him a lot more attention.
Given that Craig Morgan reported that Matias Maccelli is expected to play for the Tucson Roadrunners this move should not be a surprise. Maccelli will get a chance to adjust to professional North American hockey next season, which should be great for his development.
Last week we profiled Maccelli as part of our Draft Class Review series.