Panthers Call Up Shawn Matthias to NHL

[VodkaFish]

SUNRISE, Fla. – Florida Panthers General Manager and head coach Jacques Martin announced today that the club has called up C Shawn Matthias from Belleville (OHL). Matthias, 19, was acquired by Florida along with a second round pick in 2007 and a conditional draft pick from Detroit in exchange for Todd Bertuzzi on Feb. 27, 2007.

Earlier this month, Matthias helped lead Team Canada to a Gold Medal at the 2008 IIHF World Junior Championship. Matthias had three goals and two assists during the tournament including assisting on the GWG in the Gold Medal game. He was selected as one of Canada’s “Three Best Players” by Canada’s coaching staff.

The 6-4, 213-pound Mississauga, Ontario native is playing junior hockey for the Belleville Bulls of the OHL. He is 11th in the OHL and leads Belleville with 58 points (21-37-58) in only 32 games played. He has a rating of plus-21.

[skacore]

I'd really like to see how he plays at the NHL level... he is a big dude but from what I've seen of him he doesn't seem overly physical at all

[PinoyRon51]

hope he does well.....

[forsberg21]

Lets see if this former deadline deal was worth it.

[McDonald19]

Originally Posted by Wes McSnipes

I mean, look at Bertuzzi now

Bert has been playing great hockey for the Ducks lately. I'm surprised too.

[Manimal]

Originally Posted by Wes McSnipes

It wasn't worth it.

Vancouver ripped Florida on that one - no matter how Matthias does, IMO. He'd have to be one of the top players in the league for the trade to look even, and I doubt that happens.

I mean, look at Bertuzzi now, and look at Luongo now. Not even close. Matthias can't close the gap...

Didn't Matthias come from the Detroit trade?

[Shasta McNasty]

Originally Posted by Manimal

Didn't Matthias come from the Detroit trade?

Yes, he did.. I can't wait to see how this guy does in the NHL. I'll miss him, he was one of my favorites that played for the Bulls.

[PinoyRon51]

scored twice against the Caps......