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The first overall pick in the 2014 WHL Draft, Stelio Mattheos was a rookie as the Brandon Wheat Kings rose to the top of the WHL last season. Things didn’t go quite as well this year, as the team suffered major losses with Ivan Provorov heading to the NHL, and Nolan Patrick missing a large portion of the year due to injury. Mattheos stepped up into an important top six role and more than doubled the points from his rookie season. He finished with 26 goals and 61 points in 69 games. Mattheos added five points in four playoff games, but the Wheat Kings were overmatched by Medicine Hat and fell in the first round.
Mattheos also played in the CHL Top Prospects game this year, scoring a goal. He also played for Team Canada at the Under 18 World Championships (four goals in five games) and the Ivan Hlinka (one goal in four games). In 2015-16 he played for Team Canada Black at the World Under 17 Hockey Challenge (two goals, four points in five games).
Stelio Mattheos Scouting Report: 2017 NHL Draft #60
Center — shoots Right
Born June 14th 1999 — Winnipeg, Manitoba
Height 6’1″ — Weight 194 lbs [185 cm / 87 kg]
Skating
Mattheos is a very good skater. He has a powerful stride which generates very good speed. His first step and acceleration are good and he gets up to speed quickly. His agility and edgework are also decent. Where he excels though, is in his lower body strength. Mattheos has power to fight through checks and get to the net. It is very tough to knock Mattheos off the puck, and he protects it well down low in the cycle game. When he gets a step on a defender, he can lower his shoulder and cut to the crease. He also uses his excellent balance to battle for position in front of the net, and to win board battles.
Offensive Game
Stelio Mattheos scores goals in tight to the net. He has the quick hands to pounce on rebounds, and the quickness to beat goalies when he is driving to the net. Mattheos also has the hand-eye co-ordination to get deflections, as well as to quickly one time passes in close. From further out his wrist shot is heavy and features a quick release. Mattheos is dangerous on the rush due to his speed. When defenders back off to avoid getting beat wide, he can pull up and fire a shot on net.
Mattheos’ assists also mainly come out of his power game. He is not an overly creative player, but prefers to play a north-south type of game. He can win battles in the corners, dig out pucks, and get them to teammates. Mattheos looks to keep the puck moving in the cycle game, putting it in good areas for his teammates. His vision is decent and his passing skills are good. He protects the puck well, but is not the type of player to pull out a lot of shifty moves, or impressive dekes. Instead he plays a straightforward and simple offensive game, but it is effective.
Defensive Game
Mattheos shows good hustle and work ethic in all three zones. He is good at applying back pressure against the rush, and supports his defence down low in the cycle game. He is also strong in the face-off circle. Mattheos shows good positioning and the anticipation to close down passing lanes and create turnovers.
Projection and Comparison
Stelio Mattheos likely needs additional time to round out his game, but has the potential to be a power forward. Adding even more muscle to his frame would help him to play his style effectively at the next level. He could grow into an effective two-way player. In terms of a stylistic comparison, Mattheos is similar to Mikko Koivu of the Minnesota Wild. This is a stylistic comparison only though and not a talent based one.
Highlights
The following is a compilation of videos, assembled from Youtube.
Check back tomorrow for the next prospect available on our draft board.
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