First-rounder gets second chance in the NHL despite hectic past!

Stefan Matteau is getting a second chance. On Tuesday, the Columbus Blue Jackets signed the center to a professional tryout agreement.

This is the time to shine for the former first round, who was selected 29th overall by the New Jersey Devils in 2012. This is a second stint for Matteau with the Blue Jackets, as he played for the team during the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons. During that time, he put up a combined four points in 27 total games played.

There were high expectations for Matteau but he never cemented himself as a regular NHL fixture for several teams ahead his first round selection. He played for the Devils, Montreal Canadiens, Vegas Golden Knights, Columbus Blue Jackets and Colorado Avalanche, but always spent most of the time in the junior ranks and AHL, where he unfortunately dealt with suspensions and injuries.

He appears to be focused on playing hockey and not only fighting and hitting on the ice. Last season, Matteau split time between Linköping HC of the SHL and ERC Ingolstadt of the DEL. In the SHL, he only recorded one assist in 16 games played, but saw much improvement in the DHL, registering 20 points in 19 games played.

Matteau’s speed and size could be a nice addition to the Blue Jackets, who could use the forward in a fourth-line role.
It will be interesting to see if Matteau can seize that second chance and crack the roster though he will need to battle hard against the young forwards in Columbus during training camp.

Let’s see if Matteau can secure an NHL contract and make the best of that second chance.

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