According to The Athletic's Aaron Portzline, former New Jersey Devils forward Stefan Matteau is being hired as an assistant coach for the Columbus Blue Jackets' AHL affiliate, the Cleveland Monsters.
Matteau announced his retirement from hockey back in May after spending each of the last two seasons with the Monsters. Now, based on Portzline's report, Matteau will be an assistant coach for the AHL squad.
Sounds like Stefan Matteau, 31, is making an immediate leap from player to coach with AHL Cleveland, replacing Mark Letestu behind the bench.
Matteau had a 13-year pro career w New Jersey, Montreal, Vegas, Columbus and Colorado. He's on Trent Vogelhuber's staff. @monstershockey
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) July 31, 2025
Matteau was selected by the Devils with the 29th overall pick of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. In 44 games over three seasons as a Devil, he recorded three goals, two assists, five points, and 83 hits. His time with the Devils ended during the 2015-16 season when he was traded to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for forward Devante Smith-Pelly.
In 92 NHL games over seven seasons split between the Devils, Canadiens, Vegas Golden Knights, and Blue Jackets from 2012-13 to 2021-22, Matteau recorded six goals, five assists, 11 points, and 181 hits.
Devils Have Intriguing Free-Agent Target To ConsiderThe New Jersey Devils have made some new additions to their roster this off-season, but it would be understandable if they tried to make more before the 2025-26 campaign is here. When looking at their roster, it is fair to argue that they could use a bit more forward depth, especially.
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