Yesterday afternoon the New Jersey Devils signed 2012 first round pick Stefan Matteau to a three-year entry-level contract. When Devils President and General Manager Lou Lamoriello spoke to Tom Gulitti after the signing, he did not want to discuss or rule out Matteau making the Devils out of camp.

While I think it's a bad idea to even give him a realistic shot, some Devils fans are quite excited about the possibility. Here is why Matteau shouldn't and won't make the Devils out of camp.

First and foremost, Matteau is not NHL ready. He hasn't fully filled out his body, he's not disciplined enough and his offensive game is not where it needs to be to contribute at the NHL level. Could Matteau make the team as say a 4th liner? Sure, but that would essentially ruin any chance he has of developing into a top-6 forward who can contribute offensively. Sure, some young guys like Sean Couturier have come in, done well in bottom-6 roles yet shown they can contribute offensively, but their offensive games were much more polished than Matteau's are right now. Matteau will not be given a chance to develop in the Devils bottom-6, and quite frankly I think the Devils 4th line could do a better job in that role than he could, anyways.

Matteau's dad is the Assistant Coach of Blainville-Boisbriand Armada in the QMJHL, where Matteau will play (assuming he doesn't get invited to Devils training camp / make the team, which he shouldn't / won't). Matteau should go there, play top-6 minutes and work on polishing his offensive game. Big players with some offensive tools tend to dominate the QMJHL, see Charlie Coyle, and Matteau will walk right into big minutes so the potential to dominate and have a lot of success is certainly there. In the QMJHL he can give himself another year or two to develop his body, develop his offensive game and work on being a more complete and disciplined player.

Technically Matteau could play in the AHL with Albany this year, but I still don't think he's ready for the pro game. As previously stated, I'd let him go to the QMJHL and let him find himself there. He won't be rushed and he'll be given the opportunity to work on and develop his game.

I know a lot of fans want to see him on the team this year and players are more ready to jump into the NHL at a young age than ever, but playing in the QMJHL is not only best for him, but it's best for the Devils. Patience is key with young players, just ask Detroit.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Follow me on twitter @ToddCordell.

TheHockeyGuys.net

Email: [email protected]