Stefan Matteau retires from professional hockey after a 13-year ride in NHL and AHL

Stefan Matteau, former Cleveland Monsters winger and first-round NHL draft choice, retired officially from professional hockey, marking the end of a 13-year career spent within the NHL, AHL, and abroad. Stefan Matteau, captain of the Cleveland Monsters this season, became a tough and dependable player in multiple leagues, dressing for the New Jersey Devils, Montreal Canadiens, Columbus Blue Jackets, and beyond. Chicagoan Stefan Matteau walked away from professional hockey after one season as an AHL Cleveland Monsters captain. He started playing hockey when he was drafted 29th overall by the New Jersey Devils in the 2012 NHL Draft. He contributed six goals and five assists for a total of 11 points through 92 National Hockey League contests. Most of Stefan Matteau's career was within the AHL, where he proved to be a consistent forward. He had 76 goals and 93 assists for a total of 169 points in 411 regular-season games. He was an asset for most AHL teams because he was experienced and versatile. Along with his North American background, Stefan Matteau competed abroad in the 2022–2023 season, dividing time between German Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL) club ERC Ingolstadt and Swedish Hockey League (SHL) affiliate Linköping HC. That short stint abroad gave an international touch to an already eclectic hockey career. While Stefan Matteau's NHL statistics won't leap off the page, his presence in several locker rooms and leadership were felt throughout his playing career. Matteau's retirement marks the end of a gritty and dignified career, one that, though never rooted in the limelight, warranted a steadfast commitment to the game. Though the Cleveland Monsters move forward into the future, it is without their grizzled captain, but in gratitude for what he provided the team. Also read: Cleveland Monsters forward Owen Sillinger will miss the rest of the season after suffering a lower-body injuryStefan Matteau departs having worn an awful lot of jerseys and played an awful lot of parts—draft pick, NHL prospect, AHL veteran, foreign pro, and ultimately, team captain. Though he might not have become a household name in the NHL, his toughness and leadership provide a template for what it is to be a true professional in the game.