Shawn Matthias is making his second trip to market after failing to secure a long-term contract after a career season with the Vancouver Canucks during the 2014-15 campaign. Are the two sides set for a reunion?

The Canucks need goal scorers in the worst way. Part of that need is directly related to letting Matthias walk in free agency last off-season, as the power winger signed a one-year contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs. While Matthias struggled to generate even-strength offence at anywhere near the level he did in the previous season, the Leafs, a rebuilding franchise, were able to recoup a fourth-round pick for the pending unrestricted free agent, courtesy the Colorado Avalanche.

From that point, Matthias flourished. The power wingers game translated much better in Roy’s rush based offence. In his 20 games as a member of the Avalanche, Matthias matched the six goals he scored in 51 as a member of the Maple Leafs. The Avalanche got their money’s worth. Now it’s a question of whether they can continue the investment into next season. For the Avalanche, an internal budget team, it’s looking less and less likely.

HERO Chart:

Career Statistics:

The Fit:

One of Matthias’ best attributes is his positional versatility. He started his career a centre, but has shifted to the wing in these last two seasons. Frankly, with his combination of power and size, that’s for the best. I still think his ability to play centre is worth accounting for, though. Especially in the Western Conference, where they seem to drop like flies.

Now, the Canucks haven’t any glaring need at centre. Nor do they have one on the wing. Not until they figure out what to do with Alexandre Burrows and Chris Higgins anyway. But if they’re looking to invest in a known commodity, that brings goal scoring and speed to the bottom-six, then Matthias could certainly be of use. Especially if the Canucks — who witnessed first hand what Matthias can accomplish in head coach Willie Desjardins’ system — think they can extract value beyond whatever price the market assigns him.

The Scouting Report:

Shawn Matthias just scores goals. That was the headline of former Canucks Army Managing Editor Rhys Jessop’s article on Matthias, his goal scoring and what he should have earned in free agency last off-season. It’s painfully accurate. Matthias is strong defensively, but his net defensive value is hugely negative; he produces even-strength goals at a rate that compares to some of the league’s absolute best scorers but struggles to generate offence through his linemates. He is without a doubt one of the league’s most one-dimensional players at even strength.

Conclusion

The Canucks had their opportunity to keep Matthias last season. And they declined. I don’t think that they’re even entertaining the possibility of circling this wagon either. Matthias brings an enticing skill set that is becoming increasingly rare in today’s NHL. It’s not enough to move the needle, though. Matthias won’t sell tickets and sure as hell won’t be enough to move the needle for Vancouver as a contending franchise.

Though they certainly could have used Matthias this season, that’s much more commentary on the injuries they suffered and the lack of reliable depth ready to fill those vacancies. There’s no going back in time, though. And I’m not sure that Matthias is the player this franchise needs to take that next step forward either.

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