The Montreal Victoire have reached across the Atlantic to address their captain’s absence, inking Italian national team captain Nadia Mattivi while Marie-Philip Poulin recovers on long-term injured reserve.

The defending SDHL Defender of the Year arrived in Minnesota this week, joining her new teammates as they prepare for Wednesday’s clash with the Frost. For Victoire GM Danièle Sauvageau, the signing was a reunion of sorts as she also serves as general manager for Italy’s women’s program.

“Nadia is coming off an excellent season in Sweden and also performed very well at Milano-Cortina,” Sauvageau said. “We are happy to have her join our team.”

A captain replaces a captain

Mattivi’s addition fills the roster spot created when Poulin was placed on LTIR retroactive to March 15. The Montreal captain has been battling knee issues since taking a hit during preliminary-round action at the Milano Cortina Olympics.

The injury appeared manageable until a March 15 contest against Boston, when a collision with Shay Maloney forced Poulin from the game. She hasn’t returned since. Under PWHL rules, she becomes eligible to rejoin the active roster on April 5.

Before the injury, Poulin had been productive despite the lingering issue, posting nine goals and 17 points across 18 games this season.

Nadia Mattivi’s Swedish success story

The 25-year-old Mattivi became available after wrapping up a standout campaign with Luleå HF in Sweden’s top women’s league. Her 23 points in 22 regular-season appearances earned her recognition as the SDHL’s top defender in just her rookie professional season.

At 5-foot-10, Mattivi brings size and two-way ability to Montreal’s blue line. She wore the “C” for Italy at the Olympics, recording two assists in five games on home ice.

Her college résumé includes five seasons at Boston University, coincidentally, the same program where Poulin once captained the Terriers. Mattivi wore the “C” herself during her final two seasons, accumulating 63 points in 141 career games.

Immediate impact expected

Montreal doesn’t have the luxury of a gradual integration. Following Wednesday’s Minnesota matchup, the Victoire head to Detroit for the PWHL Takeover Tour, culminating in Saturday’s game against the New York Sirens.

The timing makes Mattivi’s connection with Sauvageau particularly valuable. Having worked together with the Italian national program, the defender arrives with established trust and understanding of her new GM’s expectations.

Whether Mattivi can help stabilize Montreal’s defensive corps during Poulin’s absence may determine how the Victoire navigate the season’s critical final stretch.