The Latvian forward was taken 90th overall by the Capitals in the 2024 NHL Draft.
The Latvian forward was taken 90th overall by the Capitals in the 2024 NHL Draft.
ARLINGTON, V.A. — The Washington Capitals have officially brought Eriks Mateiko on board, signing him to a three-year, entry-level contract on Friday.
The Latvian winger was taken 90th overall in the 2024 NHL Draft, and going forward, there are high hopes for him after a strong showing at his first training camp.
Mateiko, who weighs in at 6-foot-5, 207 pounds, is a big-bodied power forward who packs a punch and has a high hockey IQ. He can get to the high-scoring areas and use his frame and reach to his advantage, and he also possesses great stickhandling and playmaking ability.
Not only that, but he can win puck battles, make smart passes and get to the front, and he got time playing at center in his preseason debut with the Capitals.
The 18-year-old has joined the QMJHL's Saint John Sea Dogs for his post-draft year, marking his third season in juniors. Mateiko is coming off a stellar 2023-24 showing in which he had 23 goals and 20 assists for 43 points in 49 games.
Mateiko's contract carries an average annual value of $889,167.
READ MORE ON THE HOCKEY NEWS
- Logan Thompson's new Capitals mask pays homeage to childhood, franchise history
- Alex Ovechkin discusses why scoring has become so much more difficult in today's game, not stressing over Wayne Gretzky's record