NHL Prospect Write Up Mathieu Cataford

The prospect write-up is something I'm going to do to highlight a prospect that a majority of people haven't heard of and give some insights on their game and possible fantasy or real life impact. Cataford first came onto my radar when he won the QMJHL MVP with the Halifax Mooseheads last year. Cataford had a great pre season, and this year is absolutely slaughtering the Q, on a pitiful Rimouski Océanic squad. He has 21 points in 9 games which is absolutely ridiculous. Cataford, 5'11, 190lbs is a prototypical forward size, probably needing a few more pounds for the NHL. His play style lends itself towards a NHL career as well. If you were to look at a heat map of his goals a majority of them are all from the front of the net. Cataford doesn't necessarily overpower his opponents either, it's just raw tenacity and a never ending motor. He has a knack for finding open space (which is easier in the Q), and he also has a great IQ for passing and finding the open man. His skating is NHL level, having more acceleration than top end speed, but he is by no means the upper echelon of skating. He has good edgework and can stop and go on a dime which is important for creating space in the offensive zone. The amount of backwards no look passes with trailers on offensive rushes or zone possession leads me to believe he has a high level of hockey IQ. His defensive ability also spawns off that often being able to jump pass routes by reading the play. He has so many highlights of him back checking on opposing breakaways or rushes which is a good sign at this level. Cataford looked just as good in his preseason stint with the Golden Knights, but they are pretty loaded right now with talent so it's hard for him to get a spot currently. Originatazional stability is another important piece for a prospects overall career trajectory, and while we haven't necessarily seen Vegas grow some prospects because they trade them all away for win now assets, the management is very shrewd. I can see him making an impact on the next few years on a roster and play style that lends itself towards the game Cataford plays. I see him as a top 9 winger with a second line winger at the height of his potential if everything were to play out perfectly, but he's probably closer to a 3rd liner that can chip in a 20+ goals.

Comparisons

Ceiling : Bryan Rust

Floor : Ryan Hartman