After going undrafted in the 2024 NHL entry draft, Krzysztof Maciaś was invited to the Florida Panther’s development camp. He impressed the Panthers’ staff enough to earn an invite to the team’s prospect tournament, where he was only one of six non-drafted players. It appears his time in the reigning cup champs organization is not coming to an end as he has been invited to their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate’s training camp according to Hokej.net.

Macias was the first U20 player to represent Poland in the Elite Division since Mariusz Czerkawski in 1992. At the World Championship, he scored two goals in Poland’s opening match, a surprise 5-4 overtime loss against Latvia. During the 2023-24 season, he played in the Western Hockey League with the Prince Albert Raiders. With the Saskatchewan club he posted 48 points (23G-25A-48PTS) in 70 games. His 48 points placed him tied for fourth on the Raiders in points and ninth among import skaters in the WHL. 

It is a great sign for Macias’ career that the Panthers organization have continue to invite the young Pole along for each step in their offseason development program. While the 20-year-old still likely faces long odds to make the Checkers roster, he would be the first Polish player to appear in the AHL since Adam Borzecki played in six games with the Manchester Monarchs during the 2006 season. If he does not secure a contract with the Checkers in the AHL, it is likely Macias will head back to the Western Hockey League for a final junior season with the Prince Albert Raiders, whom seem to plan on Macias being a key piece for 2025. As a reminder, he will miss the first two games of the 2025 WHL season after receiving a head contact game misconduct in the Raider’s final playoff match last year.

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