Mateiko 33rd in final Central Scouting list

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

Saint John Sea Dogs forward Eriks Mateiko has once again found himself on NHL Central Scouting's rankings for the 2024 draft.

Central Scouting released its final rankings for the 2024 NHL Draft on Tuesday and placed Mateiko 33rd amongst North American skaters. The Latvian was ranked 36th in the midterm rankings and was given a 'C' grading in the initial October rankings, meaning he was projected to be a fourth- or fifth-round selection.

The 18-year-old has gradually moved up most rankings over the 2023-24 season. In his second season with the Sea Dogs, Mateiko recorded 23 goals and 20 assists in 49 games. He would have appeared in more games if not for taking part in the world juniors and running into some injury trouble late in the year.

Mateiko seems like a near lock to be picked in this year's NHL Draft — the question is when and where he'll be picked.

35 QMJHL players made Central Scouting's final rankings. Rimouski's Spencer Gill (29th) and Chicoutimi's Maxim Masse (30th) were the only players from the Q ranked ahead of Mateiko. It's not expected to be a great first round for the QMJHL once again this year.

Boston University's Macklin Celebrini was ranked No. 1.

American forward JJ Monteiro, who was a 14th-round pick of the Sea Dogs in the 2022 QMJHL Entry Draft, was ranked 197th. Monteiro spent this past season in the BCHL and is committed to Providence College.

American forward Will Felicio, an 11th-round pick of Saint John in 2022, was not included in the final rankings after making the midterm list. Felicio spent this past season in the USHL and is committed to the University of Denver.

The NHL Draft will take place June 28-29 in Las Vegas.