MATT GRZELCYK #24
Notes accurate as of Sept. 1, 2026
PRONUNCIATION: MAT GRIHZ-lihk
CONTRACT STATUS: Signed through 2026-27 ($850,000)
CAREER TRANSACTIONS: Signed by Buffalo as an unrestricted free agent on Sept. 25, 2026; Signed by Chicago as an unrestricted free agent on Oct. 5, 2025; Signed by Pittsburgh as an unrestricted free agent on July 1, 2024; Selected by Boston in the third round (85th overall) of the 2012 NHL Draft.
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:
Made his professional debut with the Providence Bruins in 2016-17 and recorded 32 points (6+26) in 70 regular-season games. Added three assists in 17 Calder Cup Playoff games.
Made his NHL debut with Boston on Dec. 14, 2016 at Pittsburgh.
Recorded his first NHL point, an assist, on Nov. 22, 2017 at New Jersey.
Scored the first goal of his NHL career on Nov. 24, 2017 vs. Pittsburgh.
Recorded eight points (4+4) in 20 postseason games in 2019 and helped Boston advance to the Stanley Cup Final.
Recorded 26 points (4+22) and a career-best plus-46 rating in 75 games with Boston in 2022-23.
Ranked second among Penguins defensemen in points and assists in 2024-25, while his 39 assists ranked third among all Pittsburgh skaters. Led the team with 101 blocked shots.
Skated in his 500th NHL game on Feb. 4, 2025 vs. New Jersey as a member of the Penguins.
AMATEUR HIGHLIGHTS:
Recorded 23 points (3+20) in 38 games as a freshman at Boston University in 2012-13 and led all Terriers defensemen in assists, points and plus/minus. Was named to the Hockey East All-Rookie Team and earned Hockey East Honorable Mention All-Star honors.
Served as captain of Boston University as a junior in 2014-15 and recorded 38 points (10+28) in 41 games.
Scored two goals, including the overtime game-winner, in the 2015 Beanpot championship game against Northeastern and was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.
Helped Boston University win the Beanpot, Hockey East regular-season championship and Hockey East Tournament championship and advance to the NCAA national championship game in 2014-15.
Was named a CCM First Team All-American, Hockey East First Team All-Star, Hockey East All-Tournament Team selection and NCAA Regional All-Tournament Team selection following the 2014-15 season.
Served as Boston University’s captain for a second consecutive season in 2015-16, becoming the first Terrier to serve as the team’s lone captain in back-to-back seasons since Paul Bergholtz from 1929 to 1931.
Recorded 23 points (10+13) and a plus-17 rating in 27 games as a senior in 2015-16 and earned Hockey East First Team All-Star honors for the second consecutive season.
Finished his four-year career at Boston University with 94 points (26+68) in 124 games.
INTERNATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS:
Represented the United States at the 2012 IIHF U18 World Championship, recording one goal in six games and helping Team USA capture a gold medal.
Served as an alternate captain for the United States at the 2014 IIHF World Junior Championship and recorded six points (2+4) in five games. Led all defensemen at the tournament in points and was named one of Team USA’s Top 3 Players at the tournament.
NHL FIRSTS
Game: 12/14/16 at PIT
Goal: 11/24/17 vs. PIT
Assist: 11/22/17 at NJD
AWARDS & HONORS
Professional:
N/A
International:
2012 IIHF U18 World Championship Gold Medal
2014 IIHF World Junior Championship – Team USA Top 3 Player
Amateur:
2012–13 Hockey East All-Rookie Team
2012–13 Hockey East Honorable Mention All-Star
2012–13 Hockey East All-Tournament Team
2014–15 Beanpot Most Valuable Player
2014–15 Hockey East First Team All-Star
2014–15 Hockey East All-Tournament Team
2014–15 NCAA Regional All-Tournament Team
2014–15 CCM First Team All-American
2014–15 New England Division I All-Star
2015–16 Hockey East First Team All-Star