Maple Leafs trade Shawn Matthias to Avalanche for Colin Smith, draft pick

The Toronto Maple Leafs have jump-started the NHL trade deadline countdown.

The Maple Leafs announced they've acquired a fourth-round pick in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft and forward Colin Smith from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for forward Shawn Matthias.

Matthias, who signed a one-year, $2.3-million contract with the Maple Leafs last summer, recorded six goals and 11 assists in 51 games in Toronto, and is set to become an unrestricted free agent at season's end.

He'll be called upon to help the Avalanche clinch a playoff spot down the stretch as a depth forward.

Meanwhile, Toronto dumps another contract and adds another pick to the stockpile.

Smith has appeared in only one NHL game since being drafted in 2012 (192nd overall), and posted 33 goals and 66 assists in 183 AHL contests.

The impending restricted free agent will likely bolster the first-place Marlies' Calder Cup chances.