The Pittsburgh Penguins are currently retooling their roster. While there certainly is a chance that they could end up trading away some of their key players before the off-season is done, they also should not be afraid to acquire players who could help them in the long term.
When observing trade candidates around the NHL, one player who the Penguins should seriously consider targeting this off-season is Utah Mammoth forward Matias Maccelli.
Maccelli, 24, is currently a popular name in the rumor mill. It is fair to say that the 2019 fourth-round pick could use a change of scenery, as he was the subject of multiple healthy scratches this season with Utah. In addition, he struggled in 2024-25, posting eight goals, 18 points, and a minus-13 rating in 55 contests.
While Maccelli's offensive numbers this season were certainly low, he undoubtedly has the potential to bounce-back in the right situation. Just back during the 2023-24 campaign with the Arizona Coyotes, he set career highs with 17 goals, 40 assists, and 57 points in 82 games. This was after he had 11 goals and 49 points in 64 games with the Coyotes during his 2022-23 breakout campaign.
When looking at Maccelli's past success, he is the kind of young forward that the Penguins should consider taking a shot on him. Given how this past season went for Maccelli, his trade value is lower, so the Penguins likely would not need to give up too much to get him.
If Maccelli bounced back in Pittsburgh, he would have the potential to become a key part of their top six and power play. Yet, at a minimum, he could give their third line a boost, which is one of Pittsburgh's need.
Nevertheless, it will be intriguing to see if the Penguins end up pursuing Maccelli this off-season. When noting that he is a young, skilled forward who has had past success, he could be worth taking a gamble on.
Penguins Open To Making Significant TradeThe Pittsburgh Penguins currently hold the 11th and 12th overall picks of the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. With this, they have the chance to land two very good prospects. That is, of course, if they elect to hold onto both of their picks. However, based on a recent report, this is not a guarantee.
Photo Credit: © Rob Gray-Imagn Images
Read the full article here
!["It's A Good Opportunity For Me To Play At Home In Front Of My Family": Evander Kane Speaks For The First Time Since Being Traded To The Canucks](https://getonsports.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/89d2cdd7-3a23-44c0-bc3a-bec8b1b795a8.webp-450x300.webp ""It's A Good Opportunity For Me To Play At Home In Front Of My Family": Evander Kane Speaks For The First Time Since Being Traded To The Canucks")
