Stefan Matteau Bio
Stefan Matteau is a Canadian-American former professional ice hockey forward who played in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born in Chicago, Illinois, he grew up in Blainville, Quebec, and built a career as a rugged power forward known for a hard-nosed style of play. Over the course of his professional journey, Matteau suited up for several NHL organizations and also competed in the American Hockey League (AHL), the Swedish Hockey League (SHL), and the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL).
Standing 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing around 216 pounds, Matteau brought size and physicality to every lineup he joined. He was drafted in the first round of the 2012 NHL Draft and went on to appear in regular-season games for the New Jersey Devils, Montreal Canadiens, Vegas Golden Knights, Colorado Avalanche, and Columbus Blue Jackets.
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 organization. Because of his father’s long professional career, young Stefan lived in several cities during his childhood, including New York City, St. Louis, Silicon Valley, and South Florida. The constant movement gave him an early appreciation for the demands of professional hockey.
His father, Stéphane Matteau, was a former NHL player famous for scoring the double-overtime Game 7 goal for the New York Rangers against the New Jersey Devils in the 1994 Eastern Conference Finals. Growing up around the sport shaped Stefan’s understanding of what it takes to succeed at the highest level and motivated him to follow in his father’s footsteps.
Eventually, the family settled in the Montreal area, where Stefan continued his development and began pursuing hockey more seriously. He also has a sister, Alyson Matteau, who has played professional women’s hockey, including for the Buffalo Beauts of the National Women’s Hockey League after captaining the University of Maine Black Bears.
Path to Professional Hockey
Matteau worked his way up through junior hockey and emerged as a draft-eligible prospect with a reputation for physical play. His combination of size, strength, and willingness to engage along the boards made him an appealing candidate for organizations searching for a power-forward presence. That profile led to his selection 29th overall in the 2012 NHL Draft by the New Jersey Devils.
Following the draft, he signed an entry-level contract with the Devils on August 14, 2012. He began the 2012–13 season in the minors before earning his first opportunity at the NHL level early the following year.
Stefan Matteau Career
Early Career (2012–2013)
Matteau made his NHL debut with the New Jersey Devils on January 19, 2013, against the New York Islanders. By the time he played his sixth NHL game on February 7, 2013, against the Tampa Bay Lightning, his entry-level contract officially took effect.
Just two days later, on February 9, 2013, he recorded his first career NHL point and goal against Marc-André Fleury of the Pittsburgh Penguins at the Prudential Center, scoring at 16:31 of the second period. The early production offered a glimpse of the offensive potential the Devils had seen in him.
New Jersey Devils Era (2013–2016)
Over the next several seasons, Matteau split time between the Devils and their AHL affiliate. He was unable to lock down a regular forward role in New Jersey, and the organization eventually moved him. On February 29, 2016, the Devils traded him to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for Devante Smith-Pelly.
During his time with the Devils organization, Matteau built a reputation as a tough, reliable forward who could play a bottom-six role when called upon. His final NHL goal with New Jersey came on December 4, 2015.
Montreal Canadiens and Vegas Golden Knights (2016–2019)
After being acquired by the Montreal Canadiens, Matteau finished the 2015–16 season with the organization before becoming a free agent. On July 1, 2017, he signed a one-year, two-way deal with the Vegas Golden Knights, joining the franchise during its inaugural NHL season.
He spent two seasons within the Golden Knights organization, primarily contributing at the AHL level. As a free agent in the summer of 2019, he began searching for a new opportunity that would allow him to take on a leadership role.
Cleveland Monsters and Columbus Blue Jackets (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 posted 12 goals and 28 points through 50 games in the 2019–20 season.
His strong play earned him a two-year, two-way contract with the Blue Jackets on February 19, 2020, and he was immediately recalled to the NHL. In his first game back with Columbus on February 20, 2020, against the Philadelphia Flyers, he scored his first NHL goal in more than four years, marking a memorable return to the league.
Colorado Avalanche and European Stint (2021–2023)
After leaving the Blue Jackets organization, Matteau signed a one-year, two-way deal with the Colorado Avalanche on July 29, 2021. He made his Avalanche debut on October 16, 2021, against the St. Louis Blues, but suffered a high ankle sprain during the first period that kept him out long-term.
Once healthy, he was assigned to the AHL’s Colorado Eagles, where he added veteran leadership and produced 10 points in 20 games, plus 3 playoff goals before the Eagles fell in the Pacific Division Finals against the Stockton Heat. As a free agent after the 2021–22 season, he signed a two-year deal with Swedish club Linköping HC of the SHL on July 29, 2022. After a slow start with just 1 assist in 16 games, he secured a release and signed with German club ERC Ingolstadt of the DEL on November 17, 2022, to finish the campaign.
Return to Columbus Organization (2023–2025)
On September 6, 2023, Matteau rejoined the Columbus Blue Jackets organization on a professional tryout contract to attend training camp. He was reassigned to continue his tryout with the Cleveland Monsters to begin the 2023–24 season.
Limited by injury during his second stint with the Monsters, Matteau ultimately announced his retirement on May 12, 2025, while serving as captain of the team. His final seasons reflected the leadership and toughness that had defined his entire career.
Driving Style and Strengths
Matteau was consistently described as a rugged power forward who plays a hard-nosed style. He brought physicality along the boards, a willingness to engage in tough areas of the ice, and a willingness to provide veteran presence in the locker room. These traits made him a dependable bottom-six contributor and a respected leader at the AHL level.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the most memorable moments of Matteau’s career was his first NHL goal against Marc-André Fleury of the Pittsburgh Penguins on February 9, 2013, and his return to the NHL with the Blue Jackets, when he scored against the Philadelphia Flyers on February 20, 2020, in his first game back. Being drafted 29th overall in 2012 and representing the United States at the 2014 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships also stand out as major career milestones.
Stefan Matteau Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Stefan comes from a deep hockey family, most notably as the son of former NHL forward Stéphane Matteau. His father’s overtime heroics during the 1994 playoffs remain one of the most famous moments in Rangers history, and Stefan’s path through professional hockey reflects that lineage. The Matteau family also includes his sister Alyson, who has played women’s professional hockey.
Personal Life
Matteau grew up between the United States and Canada before settling in Blainville, Quebec. His childhood moves followed his father’s career, exposing him to several major hockey markets before his own journey began. He later made his home in Blainville, where he remained connected to the broader Montreal-area hockey community.
2025 Season Performance
The 2024–25 campaign marked the closing chapter of Stefan Matteau’s playing career. Serving as captain of the Cleveland Monsters, he continued to provide leadership and a physical presence in the AHL, though injuries limited his on-ice contributions throughout the season.
On May 12, 2025, Matteau announced his retirement from professional hockey while still wearing the captain’s ‘C’ for the Monsters. His exit closed a career that spanned North American and European leagues, including NHL stints with five organizations and top-level play in the SHL and DEL.
Although he did not return to the NHL for a final appearance, his legacy as a hard-nosed power forward and respected leader was cemented. Matteau’s journey from a 29th overall draft pick to a veteran leader across multiple leagues serves as a model of perseverance for future players with similar physical styles.