For years, Matthew Phillips has been one of the top scorers in the American Hockey League, which left folks wondering if he’d ever get a shot in the NHL. He got that shot last year with the Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins, but not much came from it. Maybe things will be different with the Colorado Avalanche.

On Friday, the Avalanche announced they had signed Phillips to a one-year deal. The 26 year old winger, who is listed at 5’8″, 161 pounds, played 31 games in the NHL last year and picked up just five points. The two years prior to that, he produced 144 points in 131 AHL games, which is what prompted this interesting exchange between Darryl Sutter and the Calgary Flames media a few seasons back.

Valji: “Well, Matthew Phillips is among the AHL leaders and I think fans are kind of curious if he’ll get…”

Sutter: “Yeah, well, you were curious about it three years ago so you can keep your curiosity. […] I watch the farm team live more than I have at any point since I’ve been here and it’s still very much, the team’s doing really well but there’s a big difference between American League to the NHL in terms of production.”

Phillips said last year that Sutter’s comments were blown out of proportion.

The Avalanche could be entering training camp with some question marks at wing, as we all know the situations surrounding Valeri Nichushkin and Gabriel Landeskog. There’s also the question as to whether or not Artturi Lehkonen will be 100% by the time camp opens. Phillips might get an opportunity to play with some talented players to show what he can do, but I’d guess this signing has more to do with the Eagles than it does with the NHL squad. While the Eagles made it to the playoffs last year, they struggled to score, finishing 21st in the league in goals. The additions of Phillips and T.J. Tynan should help them put some more pucks in the back of the net.

Phillips is the second former Flames player the Avalanche have signed this week, joining Oliver Kylington.