Avalanche make room for Matthias, demote Andreas Martinsen

The Colorado Avalanche have demoted winger Andreas Martinsen in order to make room on the 23 man roster for forward Shawn Matthias, acquired from the Toronto Maple Leafs on Sunday afternoon. After signing the 25 year old rookie from Duesseldorf EG in the DEL last summer, the Avalanche started Martinsen with a brief stint in the AHL. After nine games in San Antonio, Martinsen joined the Avalanche for a lengthy 44 game call up where he registered two goals and eight points.

The enormous 6’3″ 220 lb Martinsen was given a number of opportunities in a power forward role during his time with the Avalanche and at times, was a dominating physical presence on the ice. In December the big Norwegian winger looked to be turning a corner for the Avalanche, registering a goal in a game breaking performance against the Nashville Predators and earning time on a line with star forwards Matt Duchene and Nathan MacKinnon. The feel good story wouldn’t last for Martinsen, however, who’s production and ice time were both cut as the team entered 2016.

Martinsen, who has failed to register a point in 19 straight games, will join the San Antonio Rampage for their late season playoff push. Martinsen is an unrestricted free agent this summer.

Meanwhile, Shawn Matthias will join the Colorado Avalanche before their Wednesday night game against the San Jose Sharks. Roy plans to play Matthias on the left wing with Carl Soderberg and Blake Comeau. Matthias will wear #18 last donned by forward Jesse Winchester who remains out with concussion symptoms.