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New Jersey Devils Re-Sign Stefan Matteau |
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Follow me on Twitter @ToddCordell
Devils GM Ray Shero has taken care of another bit of housekeeping in getting restricted free agent Stefan Matteau locked up.
The 21-year-old winger has put pen to paper on a two-year deal with the Devils worth a little more than $600,000 per season.
Matteau has appeared in 128 AHL games over the last two seasons but has scored just 25 goals and recorded 53 points in that span. He was held to just one point (a goal) in seven NHL games last season.
At this point it's becoming clear that he does not have the skill set required to be a top-6 forward at the NHL level. The production simply hasn't been there to suggest otherwise.
Matteau can throw his weight around, chip in here and there and he should be a useful player but it appears becoming an effective 3rd liner is probably his ceiling.
Matteau, who would need to clear waivers in order to be sent down, will compete for a roster spot on this year's team and figures to make it because a) the Devils are going young; b) he's one of a few guys the Devils have who plays with an edge; c) there are some open spots on the wings and; d) if the Devils send him down he won't clear waivers.
I very much doubt the Devils will want to waive a 2012 1st round pick so if Matteau gives the Devils a reason to keep him around they will.
He won't be handed a spot - he'll have to earn it - but he has a leg-up over some of New Jersey's other up-and-coming players and will almost certainly make the team if he has a good camp.
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