Winnipeg Jets: plan to utilize the Shawn Matthias signing
Going into the much anticipated “Free Agent Frenzy” this summer, Sara Orlesky was interviewed about the Winnipeg Jets Free Agent options. As she concludes every year, she tucked in a “everything sounds quiet in Winnipeg”. During the course of Canada Day that all came true. Most top Free Agents don’t look at Winnipeg as the best landing spot. As much as they’d like to land huge Free Agents like Alex Radulov and Steven Stamkos, a cold city, and restricted budget leave them Miles away. The Jets did make one move during the Frenzy, bringing in Shawn Matthias
The key to having a successful team, is having a dressing room full of guys who want to win
During Evander Kane’s infamous time with the Winnipeg Jets, we saw his skill. But when situations arose that needed 110% commitment and effort, Kane had no desire to win in Winnipeg. All is different for Shawn Matthias. Minutes after the deal was broken, Shawn himself couldn’t hold back the excitement of being signed by his new team, tweeting: Very excited, actually I’m **explicit** pumped to be joining the (Jets) for the next two years!
This is what we’ve come to expect from Matthias, a former second round draft pick of the Detroit Red Wings. His game is less than flashy. There’s guys with more skill than Matthias, and there’s also guys who could potentially score more goals than Matthias, but no one will be more committed. He has grown his game in the bottom six of NHL lineups, and creating match up anguish for opposition.
Where does he fit in with the Winnipeg Jets?
His role with the Winnipeg Jets will be just as it was for his last few organizations. On a young Jets squad, Matthias will take away penalty kill time from skilled young players who run the risk of injury in that situation. He averaged 1:34 on the penalty kill a game last season. For a Jets team who has taken way too many penalties in the past, this will be insurance with his history of avoiding lazy minor penalties.
He can skate really well, and compete on any team, whether it be a rebuilding Leafs squad, or an Avalanche roster making a final playoff push. The Jets will also like to have a winger who scores consistently, as he may not have as many goals as their highest skill players, but does know consistency. Over the past five seasons, Shawn has reached the 10 goal and 20 point plateau each time, a long with a career high 28 points in the 2015-16 season.
Shawn Matthias won’t be highlighting the Jets three stars of the game often this season, but by seasons end may cement himself as one of the more relied on Jets, helping young players get through their first few steps.