The Columbus Blue Jackets have made headlines with the anticipated NHL call-up of defenseman Denton Mateychuk, marking what many fans hope will be the start of his successful career at the highest level of ice hockey. With injuries mounting among the team's defensemen, the 20-year-old prospect is set to make his major league debut as soon as their upcoming game against the Montreal Canadiens.
According to Aaron Portzline from The Athletic, the Blue Jackets decided to recall Mateychuk from the Cleveland Monsters, their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, after injuries sidelined Zach Werenski and Jake Christiansen during their recent game.
The injuries came during the Jackets’ 5-4 overtime loss against the Philadelphia Flyers, where both players exited the game at different times but managed to return. Coach Dean Evason mentioned post-game optimism about Werenski recovering from his knee issue, but uncertainty about his immediate availability prompted the team to take action.
Mateychuk’s impressive stats at the AHL level speak volumes of his readiness for the NHL. This season, he has played 27 games for the Monsters, scoring 9 goals and racking up 25 points, which leads all AHL defensemen and ties him for the rookie points lead. His dominant performance, including four power-play goals, showcases his offensive prowess from the blue line, something the Blue Jackets desperately need.
His career at the junior level laid the groundwork for his success. Mateychuk was the 12th overall pick by the Blue Jackets during the 2022 NHL Draft after leading the Moose Jaw Warriors to championship glory, where he not only was recognized as the top defenseman with the Bill Hunter Trophy but also emerged as the playoffs’ most valuable player, tallying 30 points in just 20 postseason games.
Now, very much the top prospect for Columbus after the recent transaction involving David Jiříček, expectations are high for Mateychuk as he steps onto the NHL stage. His strong performance on both sides of the puck has earned him the regard of his coaching staff, and he is viewed as integral to the team's defensive strategy moving forward.
The Blue Jackets organization, with its history of injuries, seems to be benefiting from Mateychuk's readiness to contribute. His ability to control the game with elite edgework enables him to evade opponent pressure and create scoring opportunities. While his size—standing at 5'11" and weighing 192 pounds—may raise some questions about his physicality against bigger NHL forwards, his skating ability can be beneficial in avoiding damage during the grueling 82-game schedule.
Fans can expect to see Mateychuk's skills firsthand when the Blue Jackets host the Canadiens on Monday night, December 23. The excitement surrounding this debut reflects how long it has been anticipated, as fans and analysts alike have recognized Mateychuk as potentially game-changing for the franchise.
Regarding roster moves, alongside Mateychuk’s recall, forward Justin Danforth has been placed on injured reserve retroactive to December 10, which opens up more opportunities for younger talents like Mateychuk and James Malatesta, who was also recently recalled. Also noted was the emergency recall of goaltender Jet Greaves, indicating the club’s need for depth across the roster as they deal with multiple injuries.
With so much talent on the roster and the current roster challenges, this game against Montreal will be seen as not just another game, but as the time when Mateychuk's potential as one of the premier defensemen can be evaluated on the ice against top-level competition. Coverage for the matchup starts at 6:30 p.m. ET, leading up to what may very well be the start of something exciting for the Blue Jackets and for Mateychuk himself.
