Stefan Matteau Bio
Stefan Matteau is a Canadian-American former professional ice hockey forward who played in the National Hockey League (NHL). Standing 6 ft 1 in (185 cm) tall and weighing around 216 lb (98 kg), he was known as a rugged left winger who played a hard-nosed style. Over a professional career that began in 2013, Matteau suited up for several NHL organizations and also competed in the American Hockey League (AHL) and in European leagues before retiring in 2025.
Born in Chicago, Illinois, Matteau grew up in Blainville, Quebec, splitting his upbringing between the United States and Canada. He represented the United States at the 2014 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. His career arc, from a first-round draft pick to a depth forward and AHL captain, reflected a long and durable professional journey.
Early Life and Background
Stefan Matteau was born on February 23, 1994, in Chicago, Illinois, while his father was a member of the Chicago Blackhawks. Because of his father’s playing career, young Stefan lived in several regions during his childhood, including time in New York City, St. Louis, Silicon Valley, and South Florida. These moves gave him an early familiarity with different hockey markets and locker-room environments across the league.
Eventually, the family settled in the Montreal area, and Matteau grew up primarily in Blainville, Quebec. He developed through local youth programs in Quebec, a region widely regarded as one of the strongest development pipelines in North America. His bilingual upbringing and dual cultural background contributed to his identification as both Canadian and American.
Matteau is the son of former NHL forward Stéphane Matteau, who is best remembered for scoring the double-overtime game-winning goal for the New York Rangers in Game 7 of the 1994 Eastern Conference Finals against the New Jersey Devils. He also has a sister, Alyson Matteau, who played professionally for the National Women’s Hockey League’s Buffalo Beauts after captaining the University of Maine Black Bears. Hockey was clearly a family tradition.
Path to Professional Hockey
Matteau entered the NHL pathway as a highly regarded power-forward prospect with a physical edge. After progressing through the U.S. National Team Development Program and junior hockey, he was selected 29th overall in the 2012 NHL Draft by the New Jersey Devils. He signed an entry-level contract with the Devils on August 14, 2012, beginning his professional career.
He debuted in the NHL on January 19, 2013, against the New York Islanders, and his entry-level deal officially kicked in after his sixth NHL game on February 7, 2013, against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Just two days later, on February 9, 2013, Matteau recorded his first career NHL point and goal at 16:31 of the second period, beating Marc-André Fleury of the Pittsburgh Penguins at the Prudential Center. He also represented the United States at the 2014 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, a milestone for any young American prospect.
Stefan Matteau Career
Early Career with the New Jersey Devils (2013–2016)
Matteau began his NHL tenure as a bottom-six forward with the Devils, used in a physical role that suited his 6 ft 1 in frame. He made the most of limited ice time, contributing energy and toughness while learning the pro game. His first NHL goal in February 2013 against Pittsburgh served as an early highlight of his rookie season.
By the 2015–16 season, however, Matteau was unable to secure a regular forward role with the organization. On February 29, 2016, the Devils traded him to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for Devante Smith-Pelly, ending his first NHL chapter after parts of three seasons.
Montreal Canadiens and Vegas Golden Knights (2016–2019)
After arriving in Montreal, Matteau spent time with the Canadiens organization and their AHL affiliate during the 2016–17 season. He appeared in limited NHL action as a depth forward before becoming a free agent at the end of his deal. On July 1, 2017, he signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Vegas Golden Knights, joining the league’s newest franchise.
Matteau spent two seasons within the Vegas system, primarily contributing at the AHL level with the Chicago Wolves. Although he did not carve out a permanent NHL spot with the Golden Knights, the experience allowed him to continue developing his game in a winning organization.
Columbus Blue Jackets and Cleveland Monsters (2019–2021)
On August 22, 2019, Matteau signed a one-year AHL contract with the Cleveland Monsters, the top affiliate of the Columbus Blue Jackets. Serving in a leadership role, he registered 12 goals and 28 points through 50 games in the 2019–20 season, a strong offensive showing for a power forward. That performance earned him a two-year, two-way NHL contract with Columbus on February 19, 2020, and he was immediately recalled to the NHL.
In his first game back with the Blue Jackets on February 20, 2020, Matteau scored his first NHL goal in more than four years, against the Philadelphia Flyers. The opponent was fitting; his previous NHL goal had come on December 4, 2015, also against Philadelphia, while still a member of the Devils.
Colorado Avalanche and the Colorado Eagles (2021–2022)
Matteau signed a one-year, two-way deal with the Colorado Avalanche on July 29, 2021, and attended training camp before being reassigned to the AHL’s Colorado Eagles. He was quickly recalled, however, and made his Avalanche debut on October 16, 2021, against the St. Louis Blues, playing on Colorado’s fourth line. A first-period high ankle sprain in that game sidelined him long-term.
After roughly four months recovering, Matteau returned via the AHL and made his Eagles debut on February 26, 2022. He added a veteran presence, contributing 10 points through 20 games and 3 goals in the playoffs before Colorado’s affiliate fell in the Pacific Division Finals to the Stockton Heat.
European Stint and Return to North America (2022–2025)
On July 29, 2022, Matteau signed a two-year deal with Swedish club Linköping HC of the Swedish Hockey League, his first contract abroad. He struggled to adapt in Sweden, managing just 1 assist through 16 games early in the 2022–23 season, and on November 17, 2022, he left for German club ERC Ingolstadt of the DEL.
Following his time in Germany, Matteau returned to North America and on September 6, 2023, accepted a professional tryout with the Columbus Blue Jackets organization. He was reassigned to the Cleveland Monsters to start the 2023–24 season, where injuries limited his availability. On May 12, 2025, Matteau retired as captain of the Cleveland Monsters, closing a 12-year professional career.
Driving Style and Strengths
Matteau was consistently described as a rugged power forward who played a hard-nosed, physical style. His 6 ft 1 in, 216 lb frame allowed him to win board battles, finish checks, and protect pucks along the walls. Coaches valued his willingness to play bottom-six minutes, take key face-offs, and provide energy on the forecheck, while his shot from the left side added occasional offense.
Notable Events and Milestones
Matteau’s most memorable early milestone came on February 9, 2013, when he scored his first NHL goal against Marc-André Fleury and the Pittsburgh Penguins. His 2014 appearance at the World Junior Ice Hockey Championships further marked his standing among American prospects. Years later, his February 20, 2020, goal for the Blue Jackets against Philadelphia closed a personal four-year NHL scoring drought, and his 2025 retirement as Monsters captain bookended a long professional journey.
Stefan Matteau Career Wins
Across his professional career, Stefan Matteau accumulated verified wins and contributions at the NHL, AHL, and European levels. He is best known for the goal-scoring stretches in the AHL with the Cleveland Monsters in 2019–20, his NHL debut goal in 2013, and his brief but impactful contributions during the Colorado Avalanche era. Detailed game-by-game win totals are not fully verifiable from the available sources, so specific numbers are not summarized.
AHL and NHL Highlights
With the Cleveland Monsters in 2019–20, Matteau posted 12 goals and 28 points in 50 games, a clear offensive highlight of his AHL tenure. He also helped the Colorado Eagles reach the Pacific Division Finals in 2022, adding 3 playoff goals. His NHL highlights include his debut goal in 2013 and his 2020 goal against the Flyers that ended a long NHL drought.
Other Wins and Performances
Internationally, Matteau represented the United States at the 2014 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. In Europe, he played for Linköping HC in Sweden and ERC Ingolstadt in Germany during the 2022–23 season, gaining experience in two top-flight leagues.
Stefan Matteau Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Stefan Matteau comes from a deeply rooted hockey family. His father, Stéphane Matteau, played in the NHL and is famous for his double-overtime goal in Game 7 of the 1994 Eastern Conference Finals for the New York Rangers against the New Jersey Devils. Stefan’s sister, Alyson Matteau, played women’s professional hockey for the NWHL’s Buffalo Beauts after captaining the University of Maine Black Bears, extending the family’s presence in the sport.
Personal Life
Born in Chicago and raised in Blainville, Quebec, Stefan Matteau spent childhood years in New York City, St. Louis, Silicon Valley, and South Florida, following his father’s career across the NHL. He holds both Canadian and American heritage and settled in the Blainville, Quebec, area. Further public details about his personal relationships are not clearly supported by verified sources.
2025 Season Performance
The 2024–25 season marked the end of Stefan Matteau’s playing career. Limited by injuries in his second season back with the Cleveland Monsters, he served in a leadership role as team captain while contributing when healthy. His veteran presence and résumé made him a respected figure in the Blue Jackets organization.
On May 12, 2025, Matteau announced his retirement as captain of the Cleveland Monsters, closing a professional career that began in 2013. The retirement allowed the organization to transition to a new generation of leaders within its AHL ranks.
While Matteau’s on-ice impact in 2024–25 was reduced, his legacy as a hard-nosed power forward, first-round pick, and long-time AHL leader remains intact. The 2025 retirement opened a new chapter, with potential opportunities in coaching, player development, or scouting within the hockey world.