Matthew Desiderio (D, L, 6’3″, 210, Dubuque Fighting Saints, 08/16/2005, Brown)
Matthew Desiderio is a big, minute-eating two-way defenseman who brings leadership, power play utility, and a strong statistical profile from the USHL. He led Dubuque’s defensive corps in goals (14), assists (24), and points (38) while logging 21:00 TOI/game, split evenly across situations. He plays in all scenarios, shows pro frame and poise, and offers legitimate power play scoring ability. However, for a player of his size and usage, his lack of physicality, below-average playmaking instincts, and defensive inconsistencies present questions about his professional ceiling. With targeted development, Desiderio projects as a bottom-pairing NHL defenseman with potential to rise into a No. 4 role if his puck decisions and physical engagement improve.
Why Matthew Desiderio Should Be an NHL Draft Pick
1) Offensive Production from the Back End
Desiderio produced 0.61 points/game—solid for a defenseman playing heavy minutes against top matchups. He consistently gets pucks towards the net (4.7 shots/game) and finds scoring opportunities for himself (1.23 SC/game) with a shot that is both timely and heavy. His 12% scoring chance% is strong, showing touch and composure when he finds space.
2) Trusted, Durable, All-Situations Defenseman
Desiderio was leaned on heavily in every role, including 2:03/game on both the PP and PK, and logged over 21 minutes/game. That usage is a testament to his durability, maturity, and versatility. Coaches rely on him late in games, both up and down a goal, which speaks to his character and trust level.
3) Size and Defensive IQ Translate to the Next Level
Standing at 6’3″, 210 lbs, Desiderio has the frame NHL teams covet. His 59% puck battle win rate is outstanding for a defenseman, and his 2.1 puck recoveries after shots/game reflects his high-end puck anticipation and recovery instincts. He reads forechecking pressure well, keeps tight gaps, and uses his stick effectively to disrupt plays.
4) Leadership and Maturity
Named an Assistant Captain on a competitive Dubuque team, Desiderio has already demonstrated strong leadership traits. He plays with composure under pressure and brings a calm presence to his pairing regardless of the score.
Why Matthew Desiderio Should Not Be an NHL Draft Pick
1) Low Physical Engagement Despite Size
For a 6’3″, 210-lb defenseman, Desiderio is not a physical player. His 0.24 hits given/game is low, and concerningly, he gets hit more often (0.8 hits received/game) than he dishes out. He does not use his size to deter attackers or separate bodies from pucks. This is an area that will need a complete shift in mindset to be effective at the pro level.
2) Poor Shooting Decisions and Efficiency
While he gets a high volume of pucks to the net, he lacks deception and poise. He has a high shot block rate (1.23 SBL/game) and 0.82 missed shots/game — rushed or low-percentage attempts. This inefficiency shows up in his low 0.88 pre-shot passes/game, revealing underwhelming playmaking instincts despite major power play usage.
3) Underwhelming Power Play Playmaking
Although he logged top-unit PP time (2:03/game), his 84% pass completion and 0.88 pre-shot passes/game means he isn’t a natural puck distributor. He’s more of a volume shooter than a facilitator, and his offensive reads can become predictable. At higher levels, his one-dimensional power play approach does not translate.
4) Inconsistent Defensive Zone Execution
Desiderio’s puck decisions under pressure are still a work in progress. His 5.2 GA/game is high relative to his role, and though he anticipates well, he can lose structure in retrievals and make soft outlet plays that lead to extended in-zone time. While his size and IQ cover for some mistakes, his game lacks polish in tight.
Projection & Fit
Player Type: Two-way defenseman with power play utility and leadership qualities
NHL Projection: Bottom-pairing defenseman with special teams upside
Development Focus:
Increase physical engagement and assertiveness
Improve puck distribution, add deception
Sharpen shot selection and in-zone awareness under pressure
Draft Recommendation: 7h Round
Matthew Desiderio has tools that can be molded into an NHL toolkit—size, smarts, and a heavy shot. He’s a trusted leader, plays in all situations, and puts up consistent production from the back end. However, without an uptick in physicality and higher percentage puck movement, he risks being a player whose junior habits don’t translate. He’s worth a late round investment for a team confident in its player development infrastructure.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images