🏒 Denton Mateychuk D
Columbus Blue Jackets Skater
45
Games Played
4
Goals
9
Assists
13
Points
+4
Plus/Minus
18:02
Avg TOI
23.1
HDCA/60
24.0
Team Avg HDCA/60
62.0
Total Impact
4.58
Impact/60
Goal Location Tracker
Impact vs Opponents
| Team | Games | Total Impact | Avg/Game |
|---|---|---|---|
| OTT | 3 | 6.6 | 2.2 |
| WSH | 3 | 5.84 | 1.947 |
| PIT | 3 | 5.52 | 1.84 |
| DET | 3 | 4.56 | 1.52 |
| SEA | 1 | 4.3 | 4.3 |
| STL | 4 | 4.14 | 1.035 |
| NJD | 2 | 3.64 | 1.82 |
| VAN | 1 | 3.4 | 3.4 |
| BUF | 2 | 2.92 | 1.46 |
| CHI | 1 | 2.3 | 2.3 |
| NYI | 2 | 2.24 | 1.12 |
| DAL | 2 | 2.16 | 1.08 |
| COL | 1 | 1.8 | 1.8 |
| UTA | 2 | 1.74 | 0.87 |
| BOS | 2 | 1.62 | 0.81 |
| CAR | 1 | 1.5 | 1.5 |
| NSH | 1 | 1.4 | 1.4 |
| LAK | 1 | 1.2 | 1.2 |
| TOR | 1 | 1.08 | 1.08 |
| SJS | 1 | 0.9 | 0.9 |
| VGK | 1 | 0.9 | 0.9 |
| PHI | 2 | 0.86 | 0.43 |
| NYR | 4 | 0.66 | 0.165 |
| MTL | 1 | 0.5 | 0.5 |
| FLA | 2 | 0.22 | 0.11 |
Season Analysis
Denton Mateychuk's rookie NHL campaign with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2024-25 showcased the promising development of the 12th overall pick from the 2022 NHL Draft. After dominating the WHL and capturing both the Bill Hunter Memorial Trophy as top defenseman and playoff MVP honors, Mateychuk made a successful transition to the professional ranks.
The 20-year-old defenseman appeared in 45 games for the Blue Jackets, recording 4 goals and 9 assists for 13 points while maintaining a +4 rating. His average ice time of 18:03 per game demonstrates head coach Dean Evason's growing trust in the young blueliner, particularly after his December 23rd NHL debut. Mateychuk's advanced metrics paint an intriguing picture of his defensive development. His Impact Per 60 metrics show a total impact of 4.58, with a notably stronger defensive component (3.33 defensive impact per 60) compared to his offensive numbers (1.95 offensive impact per 60). This suggests he's adapting well to the defensive responsibilities of the NHL game while maintaining his offensive instincts.
His high-danger Corsi metrics (46.7% HDCF%) indicate room for improvement in shot suppression, though he's performing relatively close to team averages, allowing 0.9 fewer high-danger chances per 60 minutes than the team baseline. This is particularly impressive for a rookie defenseman thrust into significant minutes. Before his NHL promotion, Mateychuk excelled with the Cleveland Monsters, posting 25 points (9 goals, 16 assists) in 27 AHL games, earning an AHL All-Star selection and Rookie of the Month honors in November 2024. His smooth transition between levels speaks to his adaptability and hockey IQ.
Opponent impact metrics reveal Mateychuk performed particularly well against divisional rivals, with two of his top 3 highest impact ratings coming against Washington (1.947 avg impact per game) and Pittsburgh (1.84 avg impact per game). This success against familiar opponents suggests he's quickly learning to adapt to NHL competition levels.
Key Takeaway: Mateychuk's rookie season demonstrates he's developing into a reliable two-way defenseman who can contribute at both ends of the ice. His strong defensive metrics combined with offensive upside position him as a potential cornerstone of the Blue Jackets' blueline moving forward. Under Dean Evason's system, his role appears likely to expand as he continues to gain NHL experience.