Denton Mateychuk had back-to-back solid training camps for the Columbus Blue Jackets, so good, that Mateychuk was among the final roster cuts. The top defensive prospect in Columbus's pipeline was sent to the AHL Cleveland Monsters. One small problem, Mateychuk is simply too good for the AHL.
Appearing in 27 games for the Monsters Mateychuk's numbers prove he is more than ready. 9 goals, 16 assists, 25 points. One note of his 9 goals, four have come on the powerplay. Drafted 12th overall by the Blue Jackets in 2022 his arrival has been on fans' minds. As Mateychuk has that "it factor."
A smooth skater with excellent closing speed, his fluid quick style of play fits seamlessly into Dean Evason's system. As for the Blue Jackets, they hope the young defenseman can help a blueline that has a 3.62 goals allowed which is the second-worst in the NHL.
Mateychuk is projected as a top-four pairing in pre-draft assessments. That still looks to be the case. Awarded the top AHL Player Of The Month for October, Mateychuk wasted little time moving up the pairings in Cleveland. While it is probable he will start on the third line in Columbus, he should not be there long.
In time, Columbus's top pairing will be Mateychuk and Zach Werenski who paired together could be among the better pairings in the league. While the Blue Jackets could send the defenseman back to Cleveland after nine games, it would be much preferred if Mateychuk grabs a roster spot and does not look back.