Mateo Nobert (C, L, 6’0″, 166, Blainville-Boisbriand Armada, 08/12/2007)
Mateo Nobert is a highly skilled, play-driving offensive forward with a slender frame and a late birthdate, making him one of the younger players in the 2025 NHL Draft class. Nobert’s calling card is his elite puck skill, soft touch, and offensive instincts, especially with the puck on his stick in space or in transition. He excels at setting up teammates, has the vision to break down defensive coverages, and generates consistent Grade “A” looks. However, Nobert’s biggest challenge remains his underdeveloped frame — he is still physically immature and is often outmuscled in traffic and on puck retrievals.
Why Mateo Nobert Should Be an NHL Draft Pick:
- High-End Offensive Skillset and IQ
Nobert boasts 67 points in 57 games — good for 3rd on his team — while playing nearly 20 minutes per night with heavy power play usage. He generates 2 Grade “A” chances per game (elite), and converts on 20% of those opportunities, a top-end finishing clip. His 0.98 passes per game leading directly to a Grade “A” scoring chance highlights his ability to manipulate defenders and create passing seams. - Play Creation, Anticipation, and Touch
His 2.1 loose puck recoveries after shots are an elite indicator of game processing and anticipation. His puck skills allow him to create his own space off the rush or in-zone, and his touch on passes consistently makes plays easier for teammates. He’s shown flashes of dynamic creativity (spin-o-rama, catch-and-release slot finishes) and is trusted on the half-wall of the PP. - Late Birthday and Growth Projection
Born in August 2007, Nobert is one of the youngest players eligible for the draft and still clearly growing into his body. His current lack of strength shows up in battle areas, but the frame and time horizon suggest considerable physical gains are ahead. He projects as a player who may pop late in his D+1 or D+2 years after a strong offseason focus on strength and power development.
Why Mateo Nobert Should Not Be an NHL Draft Pick:
- Physical Limitations and Strength Deficits
At 6’0″, 166 lbs, Nobert is still extremely light and it shows up consistently on the ice and in data. He wins just 47% of his puck battles and is knocked off pucks frequently. He gives only 0.4 hits/game and receives 0.63, often ending up on the wrong side of contact and trapped along the wall. Until he builds more lower-body strength and core stability, his high-end puck skill will be neutralized at the next level. - Underwhelming Shot Volume and Passing Efficiency
Despite averaging 4:34 of PP time per game, he attempts only 3.6 shots/game — a low figure for a top-line power play player. His 84% pass completion is fine, but not elite given the amount of puck possession and controlled situations he’s operating in. At times, he plays too light or too cute, forcing dekes when a shot or simpler play would be more effective. He must learn to “play through” rather than “around” pressure. - Faceoff and Defensive Concerns
Nobert wins only 40% of his faceoffs and his defensive game remains inconsistent. He is often a step late closing on plays in his own zone and will float or reach with his stick rather than using his body to separate players from pucks. While his stick detail is improving, he can drift toward the puck, get caught puck-watching, or lose his man in high-traffic areas.
Projection and Recommendation:
Draft Range: Late 2nd Round to Early 3rd Round
NHL Projection: Middle-six skilled winger/playmaker with power play upside if strength and pace improve
Comparable: Markus Granlund
Final Take:
Mateo Nobert is a skilled, instinctive offensive forward with the vision and touch to be a dangerous power play contributor. He is slippery in transition, deceptive in-zone, and dangerous when he has time and space to create. But his game is still too finesse-oriented and lacks the pace, urgency, and physical assertiveness to project cleanly as a pro. Right now, his game is built for junior hockey.
That said, he’s a young ’07 with a 6’0″ frame, a good foundation of habits, and room to build. With 10-15 pounds of functional muscle, Nobert could unlock the next level of his game and become a much more consistent and impactful offensive threat.
Recommendation: Draft in the late 2nd through early 3rd round. This is a long runway investment. There’s legitimate top-nine NHL upside if the physical tools catch up to the offensive brain. He’s one summer away from a breakout.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images