Lou Lamoriello and the Leafs have made their second pre-trade deadline move and with only 7 days remaining seem truly set to begin the fire sale. We’ll take a look at the trade and break down the implications for the Leafs going forward.
Shawn Matthias wasn’t a point producing machine for the Maple Leafs, posting 6 goals (T-8th on the Leafs) and 17 points (10th) along with a -10 rating (T-25th).
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He was used mostly in a checking role and only when injuries recently decimated the Leafs forward ranks did he get consistent top 6 ice time. Shawn Matthias is a UFA at the end of the season and getting his 2.3M cap hit off the books with 8 day before the deadline gives Lamoriello and company a lot more financial flexibility to swing deals. In Colorado, Matthias will slot in to a 2nd or 3rd line role as Avs Coach Patrick Roy likes to mix and match his lines. This move also signifies a willingness for the Avalanche to be buyers at the deadline as they now hold down the first wildcard spot in the West with 66 points in 61 games. If they add some defensive depth and continue to receive good health down the stretch, they have the potential to make some noise in the West.
Colorado’s 4th round pick this season gives the Leafs 12 picks in this years draft and continues Lamoriello’s mantra of giving Draft Guru Mark Hunter and the Leafs scouting staff as many weapons in their arsenal as possible. Look for the Leafs to continue to add to their stockpile of future assets with the sale of PA Parenteau, Roman Polak and possibly James Reimer almost guaranteed. Not to be forgotten in the Shawn Matthias trade is forward prospect Colin Smith. The 5’10, 178b Center from Edmonton, Alberta who has played for Colorado’s AHL affiliate has 13 goals and 34 points in 54 games. He will immediately help the Toronto Marlies in their quest for the Calder Cup as their center ice depth has been a point of weakness all season.
Hockey’s Future describes Colin Smith:
"Smith is a fast and electrifying player who is highly entertaining to watch. After helping to spearhead one of the deadliest lines in WHL history he was more of a two-way player, with an edge to his game in his first pro season. He is still refining all areas of his game and will need to add some strength and bulk to compete at the NHL level on a nightly basis."
While Smith clearly has some skill, he has not managed to add much bulk to his frame and does not really project as an NHL forward at this time. However, in Colorado he was buried in their organizational center depth, in Toronto he will not have anywhere near the same level of competition and will most likely take over the 2nd line for the Marlies between Brendan Leipsic and Connor Brown from Brett Findlay. He is a plus skater, has soft hands and has enough vision to capably make plays. If Smith shows progress and can break out inside Sheldon Keefe’s aggressive and fast paced system, especially with the lack of center depth on the Marlies, then he might become something. Right now, he is just an AHL depth piece, but still a valuable addition to the championship hungry Marlies.
Get excited Leafs nation, the moves should keep coming.