Mathieu Cataford – 2023 NHL Draft Prospect Profile
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Mathieu Cataford
2022-23 Team: Halifax Mooseheads
Date of Birth: Mar 1, 2005
Place of Birth: Chateauguay, QC, CAN
Ht: 5-foot-11 Wt: 187 kilos
Shoots: Right
Position: Right Wing
NHL Draft Eligibility: 2023 first-year eligible
Rankings
Mathieu Cataford has been one of many prime prospects within the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League this season. Playing on a contending Halifax Mooseheads squad, led offensively by older gamers similar to Jordan Dumais, Josh Lawrence and Markus Vidicek, Cataford sits fourth in workforce scoring with 31 objectives and 75 factors in 68 video games, taking part in in a middle-six function with restricted power-play minutes.
Related: THW’s 2023 NHL Draft Guide
Latest News & Highlights
Cataford’s type ought to translate very nicely to a bottom-six function within the NHL. He not solely excels however seeks out alternatives to have interaction bodily, particularly alongside the boards and is constantly attacking the entrance of the web. He tends to win most one-on-one battles as a result of he doesn’t rely solely on physicality however makes use of clever play with stable positioning and timing and makes use of his teammates in assist.
His defensive sport is a energy as he has wonderful hole management and positioning and rapidly identifies any openings to strain the puck service utilizing his physicality to strip pucks to start the transition sport. He’s a north-south skater who has good pace however might want to enhance his lateral mobility and stride to compete in opposition to professionals. Offensively, Cataford is an efficient puck-possession participant as a result of his physicality and puck-handling abilities, and he performs an efficient forechecking function. He most wants to enhance on his tempo of play, however that ought to include time as he’s an clever and extremely coachable participant.
Other THW Draft Profiles
Mathieu Cataford – NHL Draft Projection
It could be a shock to not hear his identify referred to as early within the second spherical. Despite his barely undersized stature, his intelligence and work ethic make him a participant that basic managers love so as to add to their organizations.
Quotables
“His ability to string plays together with intelligent positioning and quick reads is highly translatable, giving him a relatively safe floor as an NHL prospect.” Nick Richard
“He can skate, he’s pretty smart, he’s got a little jam in his game, he can shoot pretty good. He’s solid.” Grant McCagg
Strengths
- Work ethic
- Compete stage
- Consistency
Under Construction (Improvements to Make)
NHL Potential
He doesn’t play a flashy sport however depends on a well-rounded skillset to make an affect. His intelligence and work ethic permit him to take over video games at instances. He has fast arms on the internet, with a great one-touch ending potential. He has a tough and correct shot to associate with his good passing abilities, however his launch might want to pace up for fulfillment on the NHL stage. His efficient two-way play makes Cataford a possible middle-six winger who can add high quality depth offence whereas making life arduous on his opponents defensively.
Mathieu Cataford Statistics
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