The Moose Jaw Warriors have announced that defenseman Denton Mateychuk has won Defenseman of the Year for the WHL's East Division for 2023-24. This is the second time in three seasons Mateychuk has won the honor.
Mateychuk has had a junior career that puts him atop the Moose Jaw record books. In 2023-24, Mateychuk had 17 goals and 75 points, leading his team to the playoffs. For his career, which included parts of 5 seasons, he totaled 40 goals and 215 points. His playoff career includes 23 points in 23 games.
Denton Mateychuk will turn pro after this season, coming into camp for Columbus in the fall trying to make the Blue Jackets roster. Many think he will have no problems making the roster, while others think he should take the David Jiricek path and play in the AHL. For what it's worth, Mateychuk was one of the last prospects to be sent to his junior club after this past season's training camp.
Either way, the soon-to-be 20-year-old is poised to make the new GM's job hard come fall by forcing him/her to make some tough decisions regarding the blueline.
The 2022 #12 overall pick is projected to be a long-time NHL player, and next year we will get to see the start of that career.
What's Next - The New York Islanders visit NWA on Thursday.
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