Former First-Round Pick Unexpectedly Retires at Only 31

Longtime NHL and AHL veteran Stefan Matteau has called it quits on his professional hockey career, the Cleveland Monsters announced on Monday.

The 31-year-old forward has played the last two seasons for the Blue Jackets' AHL affiliate, serving as captain when healthy this recent 2024-25 season.

Injuries limited his recent activity, but he still managed seven points in 15 games this season and 13 points in 30 games the last two years.

Selected 29th overall by the New Jersey Devils in 2012, Matteau was a kid with upside as a 6'2", 207-pound power forward with skating ability and physicality.

He suited up in 17 games for New Jersey after being called up midseason from the QMJHL's Blainville-Boisbriand Armada, which doesn't happen every day.

While he never secured a full-time NHL position, the Illinois native suited up for 92 NHL contests over parts of seven seven seasons with the Devils, Canadiens, Golden Knights, Avalanche, and Blue Jackets.

He last appeared in the NHL in 2021-22 with Colorado, wrapping up his NHL career with 11 points and a -18 rating.

Matteau also played abroad during the 2022-23 season, dividing the year between Germany's ERC Ingolstadt and Sweden's Linkoping HC, recording 21 points in 35 contests.

In the AHL, Matteau compiled 169 points (76 goals, 93 assists) and 477 penalty minutes across 411 games over a decade-long career. The son of former NHLer Stephane Matteau, Stefan carved out his own path through 13 professional seasons.

Wishing him all the best now that he is retiring from the sport.