New Jersey Devils sign their first pick of the 2012 NHL draft Stefan Matteau in an entry-level deal
Stefan Matteau, an American professional hockey player has signed an entry-level contract with New Jersey Devils of the Eastern Conference of National Hockey League (NHL). Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed by anyone as per team’s policy.
General Manager of the New Jersey Devils, Lou Lamoriello was very happy to get him under contract as he said,
"We felt very good about him at the rookie camp and we wanted to get him under contract and just get his professional career started, not with any knowledge of where he’ll be playing yet, but so we have the options of doing whatever we think is necessary”.
The 59-year-old Devils’ manager also talked about Matteau performance at the camp, his physical attributes and his sense as he said,
"He had a good camp up in Lake Placid. It’s his size and strength and also his hockey sense is maybe better than I thought."
He also considers Chicago, Illinois resident one of his top prospects as he added,
“Stefan Matteau is a size and strength power forward, who we consider to be one of our top prospects”.
Lamoriello also mentioned a fact which gives Stefan an edge that, he is son of a former NHL professional Stephane Matteau, who played for six different NHL teams Calgary Flames, Chicago Blackhawks, New York Rangers, St. Louis Blues, San Jose Sharks and Florida
Panthers in his career.
The 18-year-old left winger started his hockey career with Notre Dame Hounds, a midget side in SMHL, where he played 40 games in the season, scored 15 goals, 22 assists and 37 total points, before moving to USNTDP juniors in USHL.
His performance in USHL was also satisfactory as he played 93 games in a period of two years and scored 22 goals, 28 assists for total of 50 points.
The 6-foot-2, 209 pounder, has also represented USA’s junior hockey teams, his biggest achievement being silver medal winner at Under-17 World Junior Hockey Championship where he scored two goals, three assists and total five points in five games. He would
probably be playing for Blainville-Boisbriand Armada in Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) next season.
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