Last season, the Colorado Avalanche acquired forward Shawn Matthias in a trade with the Toronto Maple Leafs. After the campaign was over, it seemed like there was at least some mutual interest in continuing the relationship. Alas, it was simply not meant to be.
On Friday, the Winnipeg Jets signed Matthias to a two-year contract. The deal will carry an average annual value of $2.125 million.
In February, the Avalanche sent forward Colin Smith and a fourth-round selection in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft to Toronto for Matthias. The 28-year-old played decently for the burgundy and blue, scoring six goals and 11 points in 20 games on the team’s third line, although he was minus-7.
In 71 games for the Maple Leafs and Avalanche combined, Matthias scored 12 goals and 28 points. In 479 career games for the Avalanche, Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks and Florida Panthers, he has scored 81 goals and 159 points.
The Avalanche have also seen defenseman Zach Redmond sign elsewhere, as he has agreed to a two-year pact with the Montreal Canadiens. The one-way deal will carry an average annual value of $612,500. The Habs have also signed forward Alexander Radulov, who the Avalanche were rumored to have interest in, to a one-year deal. The $5.75 million was likely too rich for the Avs’ blood.
