Maciver moved with the franchise and was a member of the Phoenix Coyotes in the 1996-97 season. On October 5, 1996, Maciver appeared in the Coyotes first game, earning no points in a 1–0 loss to the Hartford Whalers. Two nights later, on October 7, Maciver scored his first goal with Phoenix, scoring against Bill Ranford of the Boston Bruins, in a 5–2 win. Maciver suffered through an injury plagued season, playing in only 32 games with Phoenix, scoring four goals and 13 points.