Prospect Watch: Denton Mateychuk Picks up Where he Left Off

After taking a defenseman 6th overall at the 2022 NHL Draft, the Blue Jackets doubled down and took another with their 12th pick, selecting Moose Jaw Warriors rearguard Denton Mateychuk. Mateychuk skated at just under a point per game pace for the Warriors last year; scoring 13 goals and 64 points in 65 games played. In his post draft season, he’s picked up right where he left off.

Mateychuk didn’t hang around CBJ training camp too long before being reassigned to the WHL, as he was a very long shot to make the team. In fact, the plan all along was likely for him to head back to the Warriors to keep his offensive confidence high, while rounding out his all-around game. So far, that seems to be working.

Upon his return to Moose Jaw, he was named captain of the Warriors, and they’re off to a solid start through 16 games (10-6-0, 20pts). Mateychuk is certainly helping lead the way, with 3 goals and 14 point through his own 12 games played – good for fourth overall on the team. He sits tied for 11th in the entire league in scoring from the blueline, in spite of the fact that nearly every player ahead of him has played at least two additional games.

A terrific skater with the ability to turn and pivot on a dime, my favorite descriptor for Mateychuk is that he’s a one-man breakout, able to skate off of a check, turn away, and be gone in the other direction. He’s an excellent passer, knows how to time plays and join the rush, and scores goals in ways you typically only see from forwards.

Most importantly for him this season, is learning how to defend better, particularly in zone. This is a learning curve all defensemen must go through before they’re ready for the next step, but Mateychuk is a smart player who just seems to need experience in this role. It’s easy to see him as a top-four puck mover in the NHL, assuming he can round out his game and become a stronger two-way player.

He’s certainly producing at a level you would expect from a top prospect, while also captaining a very good Western Hockey League team. He’s an impressive player who makes his team better in transition, whenever he’s on the ice.

Look for Denton to challenge for a spot with team Canada at next month’s World Junior Championships. He’s a standout player at every level, and this would be a good opportunity to see him play against some of the best similarly-aged players in the world. If he can keep producing the way he has so far in the WHL, he’ll turn a lot of heads over the next little while. This looks to be a solid selection by the Blue Jackets, if early returns are any indication.

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