Alexis Mathieu (D, L, 6’3″, 200, Baie-Comeau Drakkar, 05/25/2007)
Alexis Mathieu is a physically imposing, defense-first blueliner who plays with bite and edge. His 6’3″, 200-pound frame is built for board battles, net-front boxing out, and intimidation, and he plays to that identity every shift. Mathieu logged 88 PIMs this season—the most on Baie-Comeau—and led all team defensemen in hits, blocked shots, and puck battle winning percentage. However, he also carried the worst plus-minus on the roster at -14, was not trusted on special teams, and averaged just over 15 minutes per game. While there are translatable defensive tools and a clear competitive motor, limitations in his puck skills, decision-making pace, and skating mechanics restrict his projection at the NHL level if development does not trend up significantly.
Why Alexis Mathieu Should Be an NHL Draft Pick
1) NHL Frame and Toughness
Mathieu plays the game with edge and snarl. He’s physical on the wall (2.4 hits/game), battles hard (9 puck battles/game), and has a willingness to block shots (1.34 BL/game) and defend the front of his net at all costs. He plays a mean, punishing game, which is difficult to teach. When dialed in, he can shut down cycles and eliminate threats with body positioning and intensity.
2) Defends Hard Below the Dots
Mathieu is a strong net-front defender with a heavy stick and good defensive awareness. He plays tight gaps, keeps opponents outside the grade “A” scoring area, and is difficult to outmuscle in front. His active stick disrupts passing lanes and clears rebounds consistently. His puck anticipation (1.52 puck recoveries after shots/game) and takeaway numbers (6/game) show a developing defensive IQ.
3) Flashes of Puck Confidence in Safe Zones
Although Mathieu isn’t a puck-mover, he has shown some confidence stepping into lanes and taking low-risk opportunities when the opportunity presents. He uses his size to pin, tie up, and deny zone entries. He’s not afraid to step into lanes or stand up at the blue line. When calm and under control, he can make the first pass and support breakouts, but at this point in his development he is most successful in low-pressure settings.
4) Good Skating for Size
He moves well for a 6’3” player. His straight-line speed and defensive footwork are fine for the QMJHL level, and he can close gaps quickly when caught in transition. When his routes are correct and his stick is active, he can take away space and recover against faster skaters.
Why Alexis Mathieu Should Not Be an NHL Draft Pick
1) Severely Limited Offensive Ceiling
Mathieu produced just 6 points (3G, 3A) in 59 games this season and wasn’t used meaningfully on the power play or the penalty kill. He frequently missed the net (0.67 S-) and had 1.04 of his shots blocked per game, indicating poor deception and puck management, and a predicable release point. His 0.38 pre-shot passes/game and 82% pass accuracy reflect below-average playmaking and vision.
2) Lacks Poise and Control Under Pressure
Mathieu’s passes often miss their mark under duress, and he struggles with clean puck retrievals and breakout execution. His pivots and transitions are not quick enough, and he’s prone to throwing the puck away when facing sustained pressure. Neutral Zone evaluators consistently note that his footwork and processing speed need continued development if he hopes to handle pro-level pace.
3) Over-Aggressive, Prone to Undisciplined Penalties
88 PIMs is not just a reflection of physicality—sometimes it’s a desperation issue. Mathieu sometimes takes unnecessary penalties trying to make up for foot speed or positional mistakes. His game can spiral when chasing hits or getting caught on the wrong side of pucks.
4) Worst Plus-Minus on Team (-14)
Even on a strong Baie-Comeau team, Mathieu was a liability in his own zone at times. He wasn’t trusted with big minutes or special teams work, which limits the exposure and development of an upside he may have.
Projection & Development Outlook
Player Projection: Bottom-pair shutdown defenseman or AHL depth
Development Path: Needs time—likely 2 more years in QMJHL, then a 2-3 year AHL proving himself.
Draft Recommendation: 6th–7th Round or Priority Free Agent
Alexis Mathieu has pro size, grit, and a defensive identity—but at this point his hockey sense and puck skill limit his upside. He’s worth a flyer late or as a priority camp invite if your organization needs physical, bottom-pair defensemen and has a strong development staff. He’ll need to show massive strides in his skating agility, puck movement, and on-ice discipline to earn an NHL contract, but he brings a willingness to compete and a defensive mindset that could translate with the right support.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images