One of the Calgary Flames’ more prominent mishandling of a young prospect was absolutely Matthew Phillips.
A hometown kid, drafted in the sixth round, and who put up AHL All-Star numbers during his time with the farm team was never given a true opportunity with the team. Most of that lies at the feet of Brad Treliving and Darryl Sutter, but as a whole, the organization did not do right by a player who deserved an NHL shot.
Phillips got that shot this season with the Washington Capitals and it hasn’t necessarily gone his way, as he was placed on waivers this afternoon. The Flames have the opportunity to do right by Phillips again by claiming him and having him join the team.
No Brainer
If the Flames don’t put in a claim for Phillips, it would be truly shocking. Of course, there is no guarantee, as a team lower than them in the standings could also put in a claim and get priority. Based on where the Flames are at, Phillips just makes a ton of sense.
The organization knows him well, the team has embraced the youth movement, and the team has been filtering players on their fourth line all season. Right now, with Jakob Pelletier’s injury, Cole Schwindt and Walker Duehr are playing on those wings, but why not at least finally give Phillps a shot if you’re able?
His numbers aren’t great this year, as he only has one goal and four assists, with that one goal being against the Flames earlier this season. His underlying numbers also don’t stand out through 27 games:
He’s been playing on an ok Washington team and has been demoted down the lineup if he is able to actually play. Putting him back in the Flames organization and reuniting him with some Wrangler teammates could be a dangerous combination to get his NHL career going.
To our understanding, the Flames wanted to retain Phillips last summer but were stingy on a contract offer which could lead them to not want to pursue him. That being said, with so much change going on over the last few weeks and weeks to come, the opportunity has never been greater to see Phillips in a Flames jersey for an extended period of time
Get it done Craig!
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