On Wednesday September 9th, the Kansas City Mavericks announced the signing of Canadian right-winger Matthew Schmalz. Schmalz, a former fifth-round pick of the Los Angeles Kings, skated in 20 games with Kansas City after being acquired from the Indy Fuel in late January.
Schmalz started the 2019-20 season with the Worcester Railers before his trade to to the Fuel. That deal took place in December. He was traded again a month later to the Mavericks hockey club in a package deal. This sent forward Ryan Van Stralen and defensemen Cliff Watson to the Fuel in return.
On the other end, Schmalz was dealt alongside forward Sam Kurker. Overall, the right-handed shooter played 52 games in the ECHL last year. The right-winger amassed 12 goals along with 17 assists for 29 points, He also added on 30 penalty minutes. Schmalz is an enormous forward, standing at six-foot-six and 225 pounds. Schmalz applies his strength well when found in a battle in front of the net.
He has also become a much improved skater through the time he’s spent in the ECHL. He’s routinely able to beat guys to the puck and hold them off using his strength and large frame. If Schmalz can play within himself and not overdo it too much on the ice, the righty can be an extremely potent force for the Mavericks offence in 2020-21.