Hulking 6-foot-5 defenseman has sights set on an NHL job with the Maple Leafs
Photo credit: Stefan Ritzinger/RS-Sporfoto
A recently re-acquired Maple Leafs draft pick has set his sights on a very lofty goal in Toronto, as Nicholas Mattinen intends to make a push for the NHL this year.
He had stops in U-Sports, AHL, Austria and more recently the DEL, but eight years after he was drafted by the Maple Leafs, Mattinen finds himself back in Toronto with his sights firmly set on an NHL gig.
Officially signed back in April, the 6'5, 225-pound, right-handed defenseman is just another example of Leafs GM Brad Treliving adding size to the organization's blueline.
Recently, Mattinen sat down with The Athletic's Joshua Kloke to discuss his career coming full circle, returning to the team that drafted him back in 2016. His outlook on the reunion in Toronto is very promising.
"Internally, I always felt like I could play [in the NHL]. I just kept working on my game and internally believing that 'If you're good enough, they'll find you.' Toronto found me for the second time, eight years later."
Mattinen's one-year deal with the Leafs comes on the heels of a very impressive two seasons in Austria and the DEL, posting a combined 88 points in 98 games. Mattinen's addition comes at a time where the Leafs are in need of right-handed blueliners, particularly ones with size, and given his pro experience, he could see some NHL action this season should injuries arise -- which they always do.
Mattinen will likely begin his season in the American Hockey League with the Toronto Marlies, but a strong start there could put him on a very short list of potential early call-ups should one be required.
Source: HockeyDB
Nicholas Mattinen stats
Nicholas Mattinen stats
Previously on MapleLeafsDaily
| POLL | ||
AOUT 18 | 2027 ANSWERS Hulking 6-foot-5 defenseman has sights set on an NHL job with the Maple Leafs Do you think Mattinen will play NHL games this season? | ||
| Yes | 1145 | 56.5 % |
| No | 455 | 22.4 % |
| Don't know enough about him | 427 | 21.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
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