Denton Mateychuk had back-to-back solid training camps for the Columbus Blue Jackets—so impressive, in fact, that Mateychuk was among the final roster cuts. The top defensive prospect in Columbus’s pipeline was sent to the AHL Cleveland Monsters. However, there’s one small problem: Mateychuk is simply too good for the AHL.
In 27 games for the Monsters, Mateychuk’s numbers prove he is more than ready for the next level. He has tallied nine goals, 16 assists, and 25 points. Notably, four of his nine goals have come on the power play. Drafted 12th overall by the Blue Jackets in 2022, his arrival in the NHL has been highly anticipated by fans, as Mateychuk clearly has that "it factor."
A smooth skater with excellent closing speed, Mateychuk’s fluid, quick style of play fits seamlessly into Dean Evason’s system. For the Blue Jackets, the hope is that this young defenseman can help solidify a struggling blueline that currently allows 3.62 goals per game—the second-worst in the NHL.
Pre-draft assessments projected Mateychuk as a top-four defenseman, and that projection remains accurate. Named the AHL Player of the Month for October, Mateychuk quickly ascended the pairings in Cleveland. While it’s likely he will start on the third pairing in Columbus, he shouldn’t remain there for long.
In time, Columbus’s top pairing could very well feature Mateychuk alongside Zach Werenski. Together, they have the potential to be one of the NHL’s better defensive duos. While the Blue Jackets could opt to send Mateychuk back to Cleveland after nine games, the ideal scenario is for him to secure a roster spot and never look back.
Cover Photo Credit: Columbus Blue Jackets via Twitter
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