While the jury’s still out on Stefan Matteau after his entry-level contract, his new two-year deal announced by the Devils will cover key seasons that might go a long way towards determining what kind of career he has.
His contract comes with a $612,500 annual cap hit, according to The Record’s Tom Gulitti.
The 21-year-old was taken with the 29th overall pick in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. Known more for his physical game than offensive prowess, he has gone on to record 25 goals, 53 points, and 106 penalty minutes in 128 AHL contests over the last two seasons.
He also has two goals and four points in 24 career games with New Jersey, including a goal in seven contests last season. His lone 2014-15 marker with the Devils is a good example of the type of play New Jersey is hoping from him going forward:
“He has to use his size and strength. He’s a big boy,” Devils president Lou Lamoriello told NJ.com at the time. “He has to get in the corners. He has to finish checks and go to the front of the net.
“He’s not a finesse player, nor will he be, but he has skills.”