Stefan Matteau, a professional ice hockey player, embarked on his NHL journey when he was drafted 29th overall by the New Jersey Devils in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. Born on February 23, 1994, in Chicago, Illinois, Matteau grew up in a hockey-centric environment, being the son of former NHL player Stéphane Matteau. This background provided him with a solid foundation in the sport from an early age.
Matteau's professional career began with the New Jersey Devils during the 2012-2013 season. He made his NHL debut on January 19, 2013, against the New York Islanders. During his initial stint with the Devils, Matteau played in 17 games, scoring one goal and providing two assists. His time with the Devils was marked by frequent transitions between the NHL and their AHL affiliate, the Albany Devils, as he continued to develop his skills and adapt to the professional level.
In 2016, Matteau was traded to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for Devante Smith-Pelly. This move marked a new chapter in his career, offering him the opportunity to further establish himself in the NHL. However, his time with the Canadiens was relatively short-lived, as he spent the majority of the 2016-2017 season with their AHL affiliate, the St. John's IceCaps. During his tenure with the IceCaps, Matteau played 62 games, tallying 12 goals and 15 assists.
Following his stint with the Canadiens, Matteau signed a one-year contract with the Vegas Golden Knights in 2017. He spent the entire 2017-2018 season with their AHL affiliate, the Chicago Wolves, where he played 60 games and recorded 27 points. Despite not making an appearance for the Golden Knights in the NHL, his performance in the AHL demonstrated his ability to contribute at a competitive level.
In 2019, Matteau signed a contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets, where he had the opportunity to return to the NHL. During the 2019-2020 season, he played in nine games for the Blue Jackets, scoring two goals. His time with Columbus was another step in his professional journey, allowing him to showcase his skills on the NHL stage once again.
Matteau continued to play in the AHL, signing with the Cleveland Monsters, the Blue Jackets' affiliate, for the 2020-2021 season. His performance in the AHL remained consistent, as he contributed both offensively and defensively to his team's efforts. In 2021, Matteau signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Colorado Avalanche, further extending his professional career.
Throughout his career, Matteau experienced the challenges and transitions common to many professional athletes.
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