The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed center Stefan Matteau to a professional tryout agreement.
The free-agent forward was taken 29th overall by the New Jersey Devils in 2012. He’d later go on to play for the Blue Jackets during the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons. In those two years with Columbus, the veteran forward put up a combined four points in 27 total games played.
The 29-year-old was unable to cement himself as a regular NHL fixture for several teams over the course of his NHL career. Between 2012 and 2022, Matteau found himself moving from team to team quite frequently. During that time, the centerman had stints in the New Jersey Devils, Montreal Canadiens, Vegas Golden Knights, Columbus Blue Jackets and Colorado Avalanche organizations.
Last season, Matteau split time between Linköping HC of the SHL and ERC Ingolstadt of the DEL. While playing in the SHL, Matteau managed to notch only one assist in 16 games played. He fared much better after moving to the DEL, registering 20 points in 19 games played.
NHL franchises have typically been interested in Matteau’s first-round pick pedigree, as well as his speed and size. Despite this, the speedy centerman could not remain in an NHL lineup for any extended period and find sustained success at the NHL level. Even though he previously had various opportunities to establish himself as an everyday NHL player. With this PTO Matteau will have another chance to earn an NHL job for this upcoming season, with either the Blue Jackets or potentially another NHL organization.
After a disappointing and injury-filled 2022-23 the Blue Jackets are certainly looking to become a more competitive team this upcoming season and challenge for a playoff spot. The additions of Ivan Provorov and Damon Severson, as well as the draft selection of Adam Fantilli, only help that notion.
Matteau will likely be battling for a fourth-line role in the Blue Jackets lineup. He has an uphill climb due to the young forwards Columbus may rather afford a roster spot to. The team’s internal expectations are much higher than they have been in a long while possibly making it an even more difficult task for Matteau to secure an NHL contract.
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