Ēriks Mateiko

September 2026 – Mateiko’s debut pro campaign with Hershey was cut short by a severe skate laceration that severed his right Achilles tendon – a rare and serious injury that ended his season and ruled him out of representing Latvia at the 2026 Winter Olympics. He managed six points in 27 AHL appearances before it struck. He has since resumed skating, though the timeline for returning to full game form is still being established, and meaningful development time was lost at a stage where accumulating professional reps matters considerably. The underlying tools remain interesting for a third-round pick – at 6-6 with a goal-scoring instinct and five goals in five World Junior games for Latvia the year prior, there is a profile worth developing. A healthy and effective return to Hershey this season is what Washington needs to see. A watchlist name only until he is back and producing. Ryan Downey

June 2025 – Mateiko had an alright D+1 season in the QMJHL with 41 poitns in 47 games, but in the QMJHL those are really low totals. He is more of a goal scorer though as he had 26 goals. It really was a nothing special season statistically in the Q though. It was his World Junior play that has put him on people’s radar as he had five goals in g-five games for Latvia. IF he can better his skating, especially to match his large 6-6 frame, then the Capitals can have something special. As of now Mateiko just looks like he would max out as a bottom-six winger who can pot goals. Pat Quinn

June 2024 – The Washington Capitals drafted Mateiko in the third round (90th overall) in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. Mark Henry