Maciver split the 1987-88 season between New York and their International Hockey League affiliate, the Colorado Rangers. With Colorado during the 1987-88 season, Maciver scored six goals and 26 points in 27 games. Maciver was called up to New York in December, and in his first three games in the NHL, he earned three assists. On December 29, 1987, Maciver scored his first career NHL goal, scoring against Kelly Hrudey of the New York Islanders in a 3–3 tie. On February 7, 1988, Maciver scored his first career multi-point game in the NHL, as he had a goal and two assists in a 6–3 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins. Overall, in 37 games with New York, Maciver scored nine goals and 24 points.