Matthew Phillips (ice hockey)

Lore & Background

Phillips began his junior career with the Victoria Royals of the Western Hockey League (WHL), making his debut on January 23, 2015, against the Kamloops Blazers. He signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Calgary Flames on December 31, 2017, and made his NHL debut with the Flames on May 19, 2021. After several seasons in the Flames organization, including leading the Stockton Heat in career goals and points, he signed a one-year contract with the Washington Capitals on July 2, 2023.

With the Capitals, Phillips scored his first NHL goal and added an assist in his first game against his former team on October 16, 2023. He contributed three points through his first five appearances but was unable to secure a regular forward role, playing 27 games before being claimed off waivers by the Pittsburgh Penguins on February 16, 2024. After three scoreless games with the Penguins, he was returned on waivers and re-claimed by the Capitals on March 6, 2024, then assigned to the Hershey Bears. He later signed with the Colorado Avalanche and then the San Diego Gulls.

Reader's Guide

Matthew Phillips' tenure with the Washington Capitals, though brief, marked a significant milestone in his professional career: he scored his first NHL goal in his first game with the team, against his former club, the Calgary Flames. This achievement highlighted his ability to perform under pressure, even as he struggled to maintain a consistent role in the NHL lineup. Over 27 games with the Capitals, Phillips contributed modestly but was unable to cement a forward position, leading to a waiver claim by the Pittsburgh Penguins and a subsequent return to Washington. His time with the Capitals also reunited him with former coach Mitch Love, who had coached him in the AHL. After leaving Washington as a free agent, Phillips continued his career in the AHL, eventually signing with the San Diego Gulls. His legacy with the Capitals is primarily defined by that first goal and the brief but notable impact he made during his limited appearances.

Did You Know?

• Phillips was selected 166th overall by the Calgary Flames in the 2016 NHL entry draft.
• He signed a two-year AHL contract with the San Diego Gulls on July 2, 2025.