Prospect Info: Offseason Prospect Ranking #14

[maplepred]

... ok... but .... have you ever even watched Matier play? To me, he was a "spare part" on Team Canada, he looks a little "clunky", he's NOT a great skater, and he got "okay-ish" points.... as a go-to offensive guy on a high-scoring junior team (but then got a lot less points after they picked up a real skill guy in Mintyukov). I don't know for sure, but I see these guys sail through junior leagues with these numbers all the time, and 90% of them never make a mark. I am not watching all his games either, but with a couple viewings and stats-watching, I just don't get the fascination. Totally happy - thrilled even - to snag a guy at #124 who is even this good... but guys with his characteristics nevertheless almost never pan out into NHL players. He was a solid junior player. I don't understand the fascination with marking him up above his drafted value. 4th round picks don't usually make it. Matier could buck that trend... but... I don't see anything yet to get too excited about him actually doing so. He is like Prokop to me. Nice junior careers. But I'm not counting on them until they show something as pros. Most guys like this can't take that next step. We have seen it soooo many times with Dougherty, Allard, Farrance, Roussel, etc...

I’ve seen him play many times, ya think I just hype up someone I’ve never seen?

He’s one of the better skaters for a guy his size and all scouts say that as well. Plus he got like close to double the points he did from the season before in less games as well. What’s not to like?

I thought he played his role for team Canada. Wasn’t asked to be the offensive PP specialist.

Everyone starts somewhere but all I’m saying is at this stage of the game he’s looking very good and right on track to be a stud potentially. He had a higher Ceiling than other firsts so I ranked him higher.

 

[Flgatorguy87]

The only viewings I have had of Matier have been at dev camp. Nothing really jumped out to me, but it's hard to judge based on that. It would be wonderful if he turns into an Ekholm though, that is for sure.

 

[Predsanddead24]

It feels like the bigger D man are hard to project. Its fairly easy for them to perform very well in juniors just on size alone, but then it is also usually a more difficult transition into the NHL. Hopefully, he excels but I also wouldn't be surprised to see his development stall like Prokop's did.

 

[Porter Stoutheart]

I’ve seen him play many times, ya think I just hype up someone I’ve never seen?

He’s one of the better skaters for a guy his size and all scouts say that as well. Plus he got like close to double the points he did from the season before in less games as well. What’s not to like?

I thought he played his role for team Canada. Wasn’t asked to be the offensive PP specialist.

Everyone starts somewhere but all I’m saying is at this stage of the game he’s looking very good and right on track to be a stud potentially. He had a higher Ceiling than other firsts so I ranked him higher.

I don't know, your description didn't fit with my limited viewing, but the first two scouting reports I googled did fit, and while I can't vouch for those scouts, I will say their descriptions of Matier sound right to me. Both note he needs to work on his skating, but makes up for it with great positioning and general defensive awareness.

Jack Matier – 2021 NHL Draft Prospect Profile - The Hockey Writers NHL Entry Draft Latest News, Analysis & More

When scouts ask themselves if Jack Matier is worth a draft choice in the mid to late rounds of the draft, the answer should be yes.

thehockeywriters.com

Scouting Report: Jack Matier - Smaht Scouting

In Josh Tessler's newest report for Smaht Scouting, he takes a look at Jack Matier (2021 NHL Draft eligible prospect) of the Ottawa 67's.

smahtscouting.com

Again, it's not like I don't love him as a prospect, I do, just some of the words you use like "stud" or whatever kind of make me scratch my head. I guess I just don't see the same ceiling. If he makes the NHL in a depth role, that'll be a nice accomplishment. Development is highly non-linear, however, so who knows what steps he might take in the next few years in the minors, anything is possible, it has certainly happened before that a less-heralded prospect blossoms into a fine NHLer. We are certainly all going to be rooting for him, that's for sure.

 

[maplepred]

I don't know, your description didn't fit with my limited viewing, but the first two scouting reports I googled did fit, and while I can't vouch for those scouts, I will say their descriptions of Matier sound right to me. Both note he needs to work on his skating, but makes up for it with great positioning and general defensive awareness.

Jack Matier – 2021 NHL Draft Prospect Profile - The Hockey Writers NHL Entry Draft Latest News, Analysis & More

When scouts ask themselves if Jack Matier is worth a draft choice in the mid to late rounds of the draft, the answer should be yes.

thehockeywriters.com

Scouting Report: Jack Matier - Smaht Scouting

In Josh Tessler's newest report for Smaht Scouting, he takes a look at Jack Matier (2021 NHL Draft eligible prospect) of the Ottawa 67's.

smahtscouting.com

Again, it's not like I don't love him as a prospect, I do, just some of the words you use like "stud" or whatever kind of make me scratch my head. I guess I just don't see the same ceiling. If he makes the NHL in a depth role, that'll be a nice accomplishment. Development is highly non-linear, however, so who knows what steps he might take in the next few years in the minors, anything is possible, it has certainly happened before that a less-heralded prospect blossoms into a fine NHLer. We are certainly all going to be rooting for him, that's for sure.

Smaht scouting? Who? Lol

Bob McKenzie, elite prospects, Craig button and one more reputable analyst all said for his size he’s an excellent skater. Also if you read the link I posted above it also says that.
I mean he almost had same points per game as L’Heureux and Schaefer and he’s defense…
I get that you don’t want to be over excited and let down but my hype train is real for this kid. I’m projecting definitely top four. Maybe top pairing but time will tell.
You’re more into the older prospects who are closer to nhl ready I notice. Like livingstone I don’t really even consider a prospect but I know you think more highly of him. And I respect that but I mean let’s face, Matier has a higher ceiling then livingstone and Stastney etc by a mile. He’s just younger.

I always respect your opinion as you know, but I’m going to have to disagree with you on this one. This kid has all the qualities you want in a top flight defenseman and we are lucky we got a steal in him. Time will tell but certainly have high hopes for this kid.