Toronto Marlies Roster Preview: Matt Frattin

Mar 28, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward matt Frattin (39) shoots the puck against the Carolina Hurricanes at the Air Canada Centre. Toronto defeated Carolina 6-3. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

Toronto Marlies – Matt Frattin – #39

Age: 26

Weight: 205

Height: 6’0″

Position: Right Wing

Birthplace: Edmonton, Alberta

How he got here: Drafted 99th, round four, 2007 by Toronto. Traded to L.A. as part of Bernier deal. Traded to Columbus as part of Gaborik deal. Traded back to Toronto for Jerry D’Amigo.

Contract Status: In year one of a two year contract (UFA)

Quick Background

Frattin is a grinder style winger with a good shot and the ability to fill in in most situations.

2013-2014 Season Recap

It’s been a strange year for Frattin. First, he was dealt by the Maple Leafs to the L.A. Kings along with Ben Scrivens and a pick, for Jonathan Bernier. He never found his footing on a very deep Kings offence with only six points in 40 games, before he was dealt with picks to the Blue Jackets for Marion Gaborik. He only played four games for Columbus, where he was a non-factor. The Leafs had retained a portion of his salary in the trade to the Kings, thus paying him up until July 1st, which happens to be the day he was traded back to Toronto. All in all, he was officially off the Leaf payroll for a little over two hours.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Frattin’s strength is his versatility. He can score and fill in on the top six or the powerplay when needed, where he can be a shooter or a screen in front of the net. He can also be a mucker playing on the fourth line, digging pucks out of corners and throwing body checks.

That being said, it hasn’t all worked out well for him to date. His most successful season that most fans remember was in the lockout shortened year where the Maple Leafs returned to the playoffs. Most fans remember him gelling well with Nazem Kadri but that’s not exactly the case.

Kadri was playing as the third-line centre and facing inferior competition and it showed (44 points in 48 games) while Frattin only played 25 games for the Leafs that year (13 points). In the playoffs Kadri had four points while Frattin had only two. He also could have sent the Leafs to the second round had he scored on a breakaway with three minutes left that would have iced the game.

To date Frattin is still looking for a 20 point season in either the NHL or AHL which isn’t very encouraging for a 26-year-old, but it’s worth remembering that Frattin attended the University of North Dakota for four years so he’s really only got three years of professional experience under his belt.

Maple Leafs Depth Chart

The last round of cuts are done and Frattin had made the team, but he remains one of four players (the others being Ashton, Leivo and Kozun) that may see themselves in or out of the lineup on any given night.

If Frattin can prove himself as a right winger, he could rise as high as the second line, however if he can’t adjust well in his return to Toronto, or other players simply do better than him, he could easily be the first player sent down to the Marlies.

Fun Fact

Frattin has been ‘the other guy’ in trades that brought the Maple Leafs their starting goaltender for the foreseeable future and the Kings a sniper who helped them win the Stanley Cup. Clearly this mean Jerry D’Amigo is going to be amazing.

2014-2015 Season Potential

Frattin has the opportunity this year, now it’s all about taking it and running with it. With only Kessel and Clarkson as ‘locks’ on the right side, Frattin has to prove he belongs. While he’ll likely spend a lot more time with the Maple Leafs, and indeed may not spend any time with the Marlies this year, Frattin will have to prove himself every step of the way.

If he is sent down at any point he’ll be called upon to be a top line scorer for the Marlies.

What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments section below.

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