Matthias Returns To The Panthers

Shawn Matthias (Getty Images) Highlights

Rookie center Shawn Matthias, who played nine consecutive games for the Panthers between Nov. 28 through Dec. 14, was called up Tuesday evening from the team’s American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate in Rochester.
 
The Panthers called up Matthias in wake of Kamil Kreps suffering an upper body injury Dec. 27 in Tampa. The Panthers have also been without Rostislav Olesz (groin) since Dec. 6.
 
Matthias, one of the Panthers’ top prospects, averaged 10 minutes during his last call-up and had an assist. He also played Oct. 30 for the Panthers against the Senators. Matthias played four games with the Panthers last year and had two goals.
 
A second-round draft pick of the Red Wings in 2006, Matthias was acquired by the Panthers along with a second round draft pick in February of 2007 in exchange for Todd Bertuzzi.
 
Matthias has three goals and an assist in 24 games this year in Rochester.
 
The Panthers also announced Tuesday that defenseman Cory Murphy had been taken off the injured reserve list and had been assigned to Rochester on a conditioning stint. Murphy has been sidelined since Oct. 24 with a shoulder injury and has played in seven games.