Mathieu understood the assignment in 2026, playing his aggressive, hard-nosed game to a T and leading the QMJHL in hits with 249. His 81 blocks and 600+ takeaways sat him in the upper 80% of the league in each measure, but his meagre seven goals and seven assists show which side of the ice his focus is on.

Big, mean, and good on his skates. Mathieu’s path and role in the NHL are already clear: a defensive throwback who is going to throw around his 6-4 frame. His style goes well with his natural aggression; Mathieu is hunting hits, sometimes to a fault, even. He’s a simple defender taking the safe options; you won’t see any daring displays of skill here. Mathieu needs to work on his breakout passing and puck skills; he needs to be able to safely handle and distribute the puck under pressure. If he can develop his game that far, his natural aggression, skating, and size should give him a good shot at being a 3rd pairing defenseman or 7D. Completely fantasy irrelevant, though, unless you are looking for someone to rack up hits.

Selected 136th overall, Alexis Mathieu is now a member of the Anaheim Ducks.

If your league rewards classic BASH categories, as well as penalties and takeaways, Mathieu is a solid stash. There’s still time to determine if the 6-3, 220 pound blueliner has the chops to skate regular shifts at the NHL level, but if the Ducks give him the chance to do so, he could become the next Radko Gudas.