Matthew Wood is set to make his NHL debut against the Montreal Canadiens today, marking the sixth skater to do so for the Nashville Predators this season.
He’ll have his parents, two sisters, girlfriend, and a few friends in attendance for his once in a lifetime experience.
Looking back on last week, it was a gratifying feeling getting to tell his parents about signing his first pro contract.
“I had talked with them quite a bit throughout the year about possibilities, and when the time came to decide, it was a really cool experience,” Wood said.
“My parents have done so much for me and my whole family. I wouldn’t be who I am without them, and be where I am without them. Grateful for them, it’s really special.”
The 6-foot-5 forward opted to sign his entry-level contract after deeming it was time to leave college hockey. Wood scored 101 points across 109 contests at the NCAA level, split between the University of Connecticut and the University of Minnesota.
“I just felt that was best for my development, and I had a lot of good times in school and learned a lot,” Wood said. “I look back on those years and they really helped turn me into the person I am today and I think it was time for me to take the next step and keep maturing and getting better.”
Cole Smith and Michael McCarron were primarily the forwards he skated with on Saturday and he fit right into how these veterans like to play the game.
“We’ve all been there before. Your first time being up with the big team and it’s a big jump,” Smith said. “He’s going to do great, he’s here for a reason. Trying to be there for him if he has any questions and trying to make him feel comfortable is a big thing. Sometimes it’s an intimidating thing as a young guy coming in with a new group… We’re playing on a line as of now, so if he has questions on the game, just be there for him.”
He’ll also become the fifth ever Nanaimo, British Columbia native to skate in the NHL. The last skater to do so was Trent Kaese back in 1989.
Nashville’s first pick from the 2023 draft feels his confidence has significantly grown and hopes what he’s learned from his time in the NCAA has paid off.
“I’m starting to put a lot of pieces together in my game. My mind is in the right spot, and I think that’s my biggest strength is the ability to think. That’s what I feel good about right now,” Wood said.
Wood skated with the team for his first home practice on Saturday. Among the conglomeration of new experiences so far, one thing he’ll take away from his first practice in Nashville is going one-on-one versus Steven Stamkos in a drill.
“That was pretty cool for me, but a little bit nervous,” Wood said. “You get a little sweat and get into it, and you’re just playing hockey, so I had a lot of fun.”
Wood is eager to get his feet wet at the NHL level and wants to use the strength of his mind to his advantage as he gets going with the Predators.
All-time Nanaimo Natives in the NHL
-Gene Carr C (1972-79) – 465 – 79-136-215
-Wayne Bianchin RW (1973-80) – 276 – 68-41-109
-Al Hill LW (1977-88) – 221 – 40-55-95
-Trent Kaese RW (1989) – 1
Follow Nick Kieser on Twitter/X: @KieserNick
Photos courtesy of Nashville Predators
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