On Sunday, the Toronto Maple Leafs struck up yet another trade, this time with the Colorado Avalanche. The Leafs sent forward Shawn Matthias to the Avs for a 2016 4th Round Draft pick and forward Colin Smith.
Maple Leafs send Shawn Matthias to Avalanche
With Matthias being dealt, the Maple Leafs have cleared the remaining portion of his $2.3 million contract and have added yet another draft pick to their surplus, now totaling twelve for the 2016 NHL Draft. Centre Colin Smith, who is having his best pro season yet, racking up 34 points in 54 games played for Colorado’s affiliate team, the San Antonio Rampage, will most likely be sent to Toronto’s affiliate, the Marlies. Smith is another strong addition to one of the best teams in the American Hockey League, and the Leafs hope that he can help the Marlies bring back the Calder Cup.
“No question the scouting staff always gets excited with the more picks they have,” Leafs GM Lou Lamoriello said. “The organization did a great job of acquiring the picks we have this year. Nine is high, but to have 11 or 12 is really good.”
Colorado has added a big player in Matthias, standing 6’3, and weighing 231 pounds, and hopes he will be able to use his physicality to contribute to the team. He has put up six goals and 11 assists for 17 points in 51 games for the Maple Leafs this season.
Colin Smith will become a restricted free agent at the end of this season, playing in his final year of his entry-level contract. As for Matthias, he will become an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season.
Shawn Matthias, 28, was a 2nd Round Draft pick in 2006 by the Detroit Red Wings.
Colin Smith, 22, was a 7th Round Draft pick in 2012 by Colorado and has only played in one NHL game.
Main Photo by Dan Hamilton / USA Today Sports.
