The Toronto Maple Leafs have traded Shawn Matthias to the Colorado Avalanche for a 2016 fourth round pick and Colin Smith.
The 28-year old Matthias as drafted 47th overall in the 2nd round of the 2006 draft by the Red Wings.
The 22-year old Smith was drafted 192nd overall in the seventh round of the 2012 draft.
Thoughts from the media:
Scott Wheeler: “Leafs #2016NHLDraft picks: 1st, 1st (if #Pens make playoffs), 2nd, 3rd, 3rd, 4th, 4th, 5th, 5th, 6th, 6th, 7th.”
James Mirtle: “At the very least, Smith will help the Marlies playoff run. And Matthias was not worth much more than a fourth-rounder given his season.”
Down Goes Brown: “Leafs get draft pick that will never be anything and prospect you’ve never heard of for player you’d forgotten they had. I’d call that even.”
General Fanager: “#Leafs save $605,914 on their projected end of season cap. That’s what Matthias will cost the #Avs rest of the way.”
Terry Koshan: “#Leafs headed for UFA: Grabner, Spaling, Parenteau, Arcobello, Boyes, Clune, Polak, Reimer. Lamoriello has 8 days left and ain’t done yet.”
Shawn Matthias
Colin Smith