Gosselin was signed by the Leafs to an AHL contract as an undrafted US college free-agent following the 2023-24 season. A standout and team captain at Clarkson University, Gosselin was a three-time Eastern College Athletic Conference all-star, with 94 points in 105 games over his final three seasons. Following his collegiate career, Gosselin joined the Leafs’ ECHL affiliate in Newfoundland for 6 games at the end of 2023-24 where he contributed 2 goals and 5 points.
Strengths
- Leadership and Intangibles: Gosselin served as the captain of Clarkson University in his senior year, a testament to his leadership and maturity. He consistently displays a team-first mentality and was a reliable presence both on and off the ice.
- Offensive Contributions: Gosselin’s strength lies in his offensive versatility. He’s known for his quick decision-making and positioning, which allow him to find space in the offensive zone. His experience from playing at Clarkson University, seemed to translated well into the ECHL during his short stint last season. His agility and hockey IQ make him a constant threat on the ice.
- Skating and Work Ethic: Gosselin is known for his high motor and relentless work ethic. His speed and agility allow him to be effective in both the forecheck and backcheck. His skating facilitates his ability to create separation from defenders, enabling him to generate scoring chances.
Weaknesses
- Physical Size: At 5’10” and 168 lbs, Gosselin lacks the size of many pro-level forwards. This can put him at a disadvantage when competing against bigger, more physical opponents, particularly in board battles and net-front play.
- Limited Elite-Level Upside: While a reliable and versatile player, Gosselin doesn’t possess elite skill in any one area. His ceiling in professional hockey may be more as a good middle-six or bottom-six player minor league forward who can contribute across various situations but may not be a standout in the top tier of offensive producers.
Conclusion
Mathieu Gosselin is a hard-working, well-rounded forward with leadership qualities, strong two-way play, and offensive potential. However, his physical limitations and streaky finishing touch could cap his potential as he transitions to higher levels of professional play. Nonetheless, he brings significant value to teams looking for a versatile player who can contribute in all zones.