Stadium Series Practice New York Islanders [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/latest-news/mathew-barzal-new-york-islanders-teammates-practice-roy] prospect Matthew Maggio [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/features/matthew-maggio-new-york-islanders-prospect-rookie-camp] has talent. Despite being drafted in the fifth round (No. 142) of the 2022 NHL Draft, Maggio kept his head high, lighting the lamp 54 times with 57 assists in 64 games for the Windsor Spitfires, donning the "C" as well to win OHL MVP in his final junior season. Coming to Bridgeport and adjusting to the AHL game was never going to be a walk in the park, which Maggio knew. While the positioning and strong play has been there for Maggio in his first stint in professional hockey, the results haven't been there just yet. Maggio entered Friday night's clash against the Providence Bruins with just six goals and five assists in 35 games. He finished his night with a goal total of up to seven, and this one was a beauty. After receiving a drop-pass from Cole Bardreau in the neutral zone, Maggio quickly made a move before exploding over the blue line. He then caught a Providence defender napping before a between-the-legs move to the outside allowed him a strong look on goal, scoring via a nifty backhand shot: That's the kind of creativity that Maggio can bring. Right now, the Islanders are certainly lacking creativity in the offensive zone, outside of Mathew Barzal. Maggio's outlook is probably that of a bottom-six forward if he makes the NHL. But there's no question he has the IQ, and his offensive flair could allow him to be more of a middle-six forward. RELATED STORIES
