In a surprising move, Team USA announced that they’d cut forward Stefan Matteau. The son of Ranger folk hero Stephane Matteau was drafted in the first round by the Devils last June. He was expected to be a lock for this year’s WJC. Instead, perhaps a loss of discipline in a blowout exhibition defeat at Finland impacted USA coach Phil Housley’s decision.

The 18-year old, who was born in Chicago the same year his Dad came over and helped the Rangers win a Cup, plays with the same edge but is expected to have more upside. Listed at 6-1, 207 pounds, Matteau was selected by New Jersey 29th overall, creating an odd photo op with Dad donning a Devils cap with his son. It wouldn’t quite be Anthony Brodeur getting taken by the Rangers but it still takes some getting used to. Imagine if Marty’s son was drafted by us. He’d never touch any of our colors. It’d be pretty ironic if that actually happened assuming there’s a new CBA in this lifetime. Without it, no draft can take place.

After spending the past two years with the U.S. National Development Team (USHL), the versatile forward’s in his first junior season playing for Blainville-Boisbriand Armada of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). Thus far, he’s adjusted well posting 15 goals along with 10 assists for 25 points in 29 games. That’s included 61 penalty minutes and a solid plus-15 rating. Ironically, his teammate Xavier Ouellet is part of a powerful Canadian squad that boasts Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Jonathan Huberdeau, Ryan Strome, Nathan MacKinnon, Jonathan Drouin, Malcolm Subban, Jordan Binnington, Mark Scheifele, Anthony Camara, Griffin Reinhart, Dougie Hamilton, Scott Harrington and Ryan Murphy. Ouellet’s tied with Matteau in points (25). Ninth best on their junior club.

Matteau joins Ranger ’12 first round pick Brady Skjei as the only players cut. Team USA has one more decision to make before finalizing their 23-man roster.

“We are very close to finalizing our group of defensemen, pending the resolution of a medical situation,” USA Hockey GM Jim Johannson said. “We are set with our 13 forwards and three goaltenders. The decisions we made today were very difficult and are a testament to the talent available to us in the United States.”

One of those forwards includes Devil prospect Blake Pietila, who scored the lone goal the other day. Taken by New Jersey in the fifth round of the ’11 Draft, he’s already matched his goal output (10) from last year in Year Two at Michigan Tech of the WCHA. He’ll join Ranger property J.T. Miller, who is one of three returnees seeking redemption following a seventh place finish last year. The team will be captained by Buffalo second round pick Jake McCabe. He’s in his sophomore year at Wisconsin and has posted nine points (2-7-9) in 16 GP. McCabe’s joined by alternates Connor Murphy and Jacob Trouba. Seth Jones is also on the blueline.

Both Jones and Ryan Hartman are draft eligible for 2013 while Cornell’s Cole Bardreau remains on the squad. Will he be the other cut? We should know tomorrow.