Mattinen, a 26 year old right shot defenseman, was signed by the Leafs to an AHL contract for the 2024-25 season. His route to the Leafs comes nine years after being their 6th round draft pick in 2016 but he was not offered a contract after he finished his OHL career. Mattinen is a towering defenseman (6’6″, 225 lbs) who has played Canadian University hockey, followed by a dominating offensive season in the Austrian pro league. Last season was spent with the Straubing Tigers in the German DEL where he scored 16 goals, and 46 points in 52 games. His size makes him an imposing figure on the ice and with the refinements he made to his offensive game while in Europe, he offers the Marlies a potentially impactful offensive blue line contributor at the AHL level.
Strengths
- Offensive Production
Mattinen’s offensive game has grown significantly. In the 2023-24 season with Straubing, he was one of the league’s top-scoring defensemen, finishing seventh overall in regular-season scoring. His ability to contribute offensively, whether through powerful point shots or joining the rush as a fourth attacker, has made him a dual threat.
- Physical Presence
At 6’6″, Mattinen is an imposing figure on the ice. His large frame makes him difficult to beat in one-on-one situations, and his ability to block passing and shooting lanes is a huge asset in his defensive zone. He’s highly effective in physical play, making it challenging for opponents to navigate around him.
- Special Teams Play
Mattinen has become a reliable presence on both the power play and penalty kill. His booming shot from the point is a weapon on the man advantage, and his ability to read plays and close gaps makes him an essential figure on the penalty kill. His overall ice vision allows him to make smart passes and clear lanes effectively.
Weaknesses
- Mobility
Despite his improvements in skating, Mattinen’s size still limits his overall mobility. His foot speed can be an issue, particularly when defending against fast, shifty forwards. While he is effective in positioning and using his reach, quicker opponents can sometimes exploit his skating mechanics.
- Untested in North America
At 26, Mattinen’s success as a pro has come in the Austrian and German pro leagues. His time in Europe has helped refine his game, but the gap between the DEL and even the AHL is significant. His ability to adjust to the pace and skill level in North America remains a question, as does the question of whether his offensive production in those European leagues will translate to the AHL.
Conclusion
Mattinen has transformed from a raw, physically dominant player into a legitimate two-way defenseman with strong offensive contributions and reliable defensive play. His size and shot power make him an intriguing player, but one who’s ceiling is as an AHL player.