NHL Free Agency: Colorado Avalanche Targets After Draft

NHL free agency target #4: C Shawn Matthias

Mar 17, 2015; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks forward Shawn Matthias (27) skates against the Philadelphia Flyers during the third period at Rogers Arena. The Vancouver Canucks won 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports

2014-15 cap hit: $1,750,000

Where he is right now: Shawn Matthias was sent to the Vancouver Canucks in the trade that sent Roberto Luongo back to the Florida Panthers. Since then, Matthias has been a key piece in the Canucks’ bottom six. The 6-foot-3 forward has spent time as a center and wing on both bottom lines, as well as on the penalty kill. Furthermore, Matthias has contributed 27 points for Vancouver.

Why the Colorado Avalanche should sign him: In my last list of targets, it was an either Soderberg or Matthias situation. Soderberg is there, but Matthias is still a target, due to Soderberg’s likely role as the second-line center. Successful teams have center depth and that is exactly what Matthias would be great for.

Next: NHL free agency target #3