Trade-Deadline Eriks Mateiko on Team Latvia [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjExOTIwNDY0OTE2Nzg0Njc1/mateiko.png] Eriks Mateiko on Team Latvia Fresh off of an impressive goal-a-game performance at the World Juniors for Team Latvia, Eriks Mateiko's profile has never been higher. Just one week later, the Saint John Sea Dogs have seemingly cashed in by trading the former Washington Capitals' 2024 third round pick to the Rimouski Océanic for a 2026 third round pick and a fifth round pick in 2026. Mateiko, 19, has 19 points (14+5) across 23 games with the Sea Dogs, serving as the team's captain. The 6-foot-6 winger joined the Sea Dogs and QMJHL via the 2022 import draft, taken at the 108th pick. No doubt has he surpassed those expectations, racking up 98 points (53+45) across 134 games with the team. In spite of his dynamite performance at the tournament and NHL affiliation, it is surprising that the Sea Dogs were unable to pull a second round pick from the Océanic. UPDATE: Per Jeff Marek, the Océanic will send an additional two first round picks at the 2025 QMJHL draft as well. MORE NEWS
