It remains to be seen how MacLean, who suffered a cardiac emergency during the offseason, will approach the upcoming season. While MacLean is reportedly going to be fine, there's no word yet on how his recent medical condition will affect his availability in 2012-13. Should he be cleared to play, he'll likely begin the season in the AHL where he tallied 48 points in 63 games last season, and could be called up in the event his depth is needed.
MacLean will enter training camp with a chance to stick on the big club's roster in 2011-12. He spent 13 games with the Coyotes last season, notching two goals and one assist. In three seasons at the AHL level, MacLean did not fall below 40 points once, tallying as many as 65 in 76 games. MacLean will have an opportunity this season to prove that he can translate his AHL success into production at the highest level.
MacLean had a successful campaign in 2009-10 with San Antonio by recording 65 points (30G 35A) and a plus-13 rating. One of the young prospects for the Coyotes in 2010-11, he will compete for a NHL roster spot with the likes of Kyle Turis and Viktor Tikhonov. It is unclear that his AHL game will translate to the pace of the NHL, but if he does make the team, he will need to make an impact early.
MacLean enters the season ranked as Phoenix's third best prospect according to
hockeysfuture.com. MacLean had a fantastic season in San Antonio of the AHL last season, and will compete for a spot with the Coyotes in camp, but most likely be back in the AHL, at least to start the season. With 40 points (21 G, 19 A) in 74 games last year, MacLean continued to put up the great offensive numbers that he has put up every stop along the way of his amateur and professional career.
MacLean is a prospect to watch, but with Kyle Turris, Kevin Porter, Mikkel Boedker, and Viktor Tikhonov also trying to make the team, competition will definitely be fierce. Last season, he had 119 points (61G 58A) with the Oshawa Generals and has some leadership potential. However, right now, one should take a wait and see approach until after the season begins before making any huge evaluation about MacLean's progress.
Scouts are split on this guy's potential. Some say he's overrated because he played beside Oshawa Generals stud John Tavares; others say you need a pretty good player to skate beside a guy like that. He has some work to do, mostly on skating and stickhandling, but his release is quick and hard. He also "gets" two-way hockey so even if offence fails him in the NHL, he'll be a servicable, hard-nosed, high-energy plugger.
