Mateiko 36th in midterm rankings

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

Saint John Sea Dogs forward Eriks Mateiko was ranked 36th amongst North American skaters in NHL Central Scouting's midterm rankings, which were released Friday.

Mateiko was given a 'C' grading in Central Scouting's October rankings, meaning he was considered a candidate to be selected in the fourth- or fifth-round.

The 18-year-old is having another strong season with the Sea Dogs, recording 15 goals and 15 assists in 29 games. Thursday's contest against the Rimouski Oceanic was his first QMJHL game since early December due to his participation in the World Junior Hockey Championship.

Mateiko recorded a goal in five games with Team Latvia at this year's world juniors, a squad that struggled to generate offense throughout the tournament.

MOOSE 🫎

Eriks Mateiko comes in at #36 on the @NHLCentralScout Midterm Rankings for NA skaters!#GoDogsGo pic.twitter.com/y5hBUWaoLB

— Saint John Sea Dogs (@SJSeaDogs) January 12, 2024

No other current Sea Dogs were included in Central Scouting's rankings. Draft picks Joseph Monteiro, who is playing in the BCHL, was ranked 160th while William Felicio, playing in the USHL, was ranked 196th.

Boston University's Macklin Celebrini was ranked first. Cayden Lindstrom of the Medicine Hat Tigers was the top-ranked CHL player at No. 3.

It's not expected to be a great NHL Draft for the QMJHL once again this year. 34 QMJHL players were included in the rankings with Chicoutimi's Maxim Masse the top-ranked player at No. 23.

The 2024 NHL Draft will take place June 28-29.