The Nashville Predators have added Matt Irwin on a one-year, two-way deal according to multiple reports. The contract will come with a salary guarantee according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman.
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Irwin was with the Boston Bruins last season, but only appeared in two games. The Brentwood Bay, British Columbia native was a minus-5 in his two games with the Bs before being placed on waivers on October 11.
He spent most of last season with Boston’s American Hockey League affiliate, the Providence Bruins, where he scored five goals and added 25 assists.
The 28-year old blueliner has played portions of four seasons in the NHL after signing as an undrafted free agent from the University of Massachusetts by the Worcester Sharks. Irwin was eventually signed by the San Jose Sharks in the 2012-13 season.
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He totaled a career-high 19 points twice in his NHL career. Once in 2013-14 and then again in 2014-15 season, where he netted a career-best eight goals to go with 11 assists. He signed a one-year deal last offseason with Boston.
What Matt Irwin Means to Nashville
The Predators made this as a depth signing after the big trade sending former captain Shea Weber to Montreal for P.K. Subban. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound defenseman will fight it out with Taylor Aronson and Anthony Bietto among others for a spot in the last defensive pair.
There are a few people puzzled why Nashville would make a move for a bottom-pair of seventh defensemen. However, injuries do happen and Irwin does have NHL experience. He could also be dangled as trade bait if General manager David Poile wants to package him in a deal to get another asset or pick.
The defender will more than likely start the season in the AHL again, but this time with the Milwaukee Admirals.