Matt Frattin, Canadian ice hockey player
Matthew Frattin, born on January 3, 1988, is a distinguished Canadian professional ice hockey right winger. With a career spanning both North America's premier National Hockey League (NHL) and the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), Frattin has showcased his dynamic playmaking and scoring abilities at the highest levels of the sport. He is currently an unrestricted free agent, reflecting a significant stage in his professional journey.
From Draft Pick to NHL Contender: Matthew Frattin's North American Journey
Frattin's path to professional hockey began when he was selected by the Toronto Maple Leafs, one of the NHL's Original Six franchises, as the 99th overall pick in the fourth round of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. This mid-round selection underscored his potential as a promising offensive talent capable of making an impact at the highest level.
Collegiate Excellence and National Recognition
Before making his mark in the professional ranks, Frattin developed his game at the collegiate level, achieving significant accolades during his tenure with the University of North Dakota. His senior season in 2010–11 was particularly outstanding, solidifying his reputation as one of the top amateur players in North America.
- Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) Player of the Year: Frattin was honored as the WCHA Player of the Year, an award recognizing the most outstanding player in one of college hockey's most historically competitive conferences. This achievement highlighted his dominance against top collegiate talent, showcasing his offensive prowess and overall impact.
- Hobey Baker Award Finalist: His exceptional performance also earned him a nomination as a finalist for the prestigious Hobey Baker Award, annually presented to the top National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) men's ice hockey player. Being named a Hobey Baker finalist places him among an elite group of collegiate hockey's brightest stars, many of whom, like Frattin, go on to successful professional careers in the NHL and beyond.
Navigating the NHL Landscape: Trades and Transitions
Frattin's NHL career commenced with the Toronto Maple Leafs, the organization that initially invested in his potential. He made his NHL debut during the 2011-12 season, bringing speed and a scoring touch to the Maple Leafs' lineup. His time in the NHL saw him play for several teams, indicative of the dynamic nature of professional sports where players are often traded to facilitate team strategies or acquire different assets.
- Toronto Maple Leafs (First Stint): After being drafted and developing through their system, Frattin joined the Maple Leafs, contributing as a right winger.
- Los Angeles Kings: He was later traded to the Los Angeles Kings, a team that had recently won the Stanley Cup, offering him experience within a championship-calibre environment and an opportunity to play alongside established NHL stars.
- Columbus Blue Jackets: Following his tenure with the Kings, Frattin also played for the Columbus Blue Jackets, further diversifying his NHL experience and showcasing his adaptability to different team systems.
- Return to Toronto: In 2014, Frattin rejoined the Toronto Maple Leafs via a trade, underscoring the team's continued interest in his skill set and the potential they saw in his contributions. He spent an additional season and a half within the Maple Leafs organization, continuing to be a depth forward.
- Ottawa Senators: His time with the Maple Leafs concluded when he was involved in a significant nine-player trade with the Ottawa Senators. Such multi-player transactions are complex maneuvers often aimed at retooling rosters, acquiring specific pieces for long-term strategies, or managing salary caps.
Global Reach: Matthew Frattin's KHL Chapter
Following his extensive experience in the NHL, Matthew Frattin transitioned to the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), widely recognized as the premier professional ice hockey league in Europe and Asia, and the second-best league globally after the NHL. His most recent professional contract was with Barys Nur-Sultan (now Barys Astana), a prominent team based in Astana, Kazakhstan, which consistently competes for playoff berths in the KHL. Joining the KHL allowed Frattin to continue playing at a high competitive level, showcasing his abilities on an international stage and adapting to a different style of play, often characterized by larger ice surfaces and greater emphasis on skill and puck possession.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew Frattin's Career
- What is Matthew Frattin's current professional status?
- Matthew Frattin is currently an unrestricted free agent, meaning he is not under contract with any team and is free to sign with any organization that expresses interest.
- Which major awards did Matthew Frattin receive in college hockey?
- At the conclusion of his senior season (2010–11) at the University of North Dakota, Frattin was honored as the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) Player of the Year and was also named a finalist for the prestigious Hobey Baker Award, recognizing the NCAA's top men's ice hockey player.
- Which NHL teams did Matthew Frattin play for?
- During his NHL career, Matthew Frattin played for the Toronto Maple Leafs (across two separate stints), the Los Angeles Kings, the Columbus Blue Jackets, and the Ottawa Senators.
- Where did Matthew Frattin most recently play professionally?
- His most recent professional engagement was with Barys Nur-Sultan (now Barys Astana) of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), a top-tier international league.