The Washington Capitals have inked their 2024 third round pick Eriks Mateiko to an entry-level contract.
The 6-foot-5 winger has been a force in the two season's he's been with the Saint John Sea Dogs. Last season he notched 43 points across 49 games, which would have been on pace for 59 points if he played the full 68 game season.
Despite battling injuries, his play was good enough to be one of the higher ranked QMJHL-based forwards in the 2024 NHL Draft.
THN's Ryan Kennedy had Mateiko listed as the 82nd ranked player in his final draft ranking.
He ended up going to the Capitals at the 90th overall pick this past summer.
Mateiko describes himself as a "power forward who's just doing all the dirty work and trying to be the best team player he can." He also cited his ability to block shots, defend well and score goals around the net as his most valuable assets.
Given that, it's almost no surprise that the Capitals would like his team-first approach to the game.
Mateiko had played in just one pre-season game with the Capitals this pre-season, going point-less, before getting loaned back to the Saint John Sea Dogs.