Maciver returned to the Coyotes for the 1997-98 season. Maciver scored a goal in the Coyotes season opener on October 1, 1997, as Phoenix defeated the Chicago Blackhawks 6–2. Injuries limited Maciver to 41 games during the regular season, as he scored two goals and eight points. On April 22, 1998, Maciver appeared in his first playoff game with Phoenix, as he had no points in a 6–3 loss to the Detroit Red Wings. Two nights later, Maciver earned his first playoff point with Phoenix, an assist, in a 7–4 victory over the Red Wings. In six post-season games, Maciver earned an assist.