Observations:

April 2013 – Matt Irwin signed a 2-year contract with the San Jose Sharks that pays him two million over two years. This is a great signing for the young up-and-coming defenseman. He has played well this year and is seeing time with Dan Boyle in the top pairing. If this continues, he will be a bargain for salary cap leagues. Tim Graveline

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February, 2013- Irwin made the Sharks out of a shortened training camp, and has been top four in San Jose since. Displaying solid two-way play, Irwin has a goal and an assist in seven games and has seen time on the PP. Temper your expectations fantasy-wise, but if his PP time increases on the offensively-charged Sharks, he could be worth a flier. Rich Dillon

January 2013 – Irwin a large, solid defender who relies on sound positioning, reach along with decent skating to get the most of his opponents. He has a large shot from the point (92.5 mph at the 2012 AHL Skills Competition) and has paid his dues in the AHL by being a productive half a point-per-game defender. With injuries to Brent Burns and Jason Demers, he and Nick Petrecki have made the 23 man roster for San Jose to start the season. They will battle heads up for who stays with the big club once Burns and Demers returns. Irwin should hold an advantage short term as he played in the opening game and is the older and more versatile defender. Irwin is still likely to find himself on the shuttle between the NHL and AHL for the short term, but he has upside and should be a regular soon.

Fantasy Outlook: D+

Depending on his use, he has modest offensive upside and contributes in defensive categories. With his cannon from the point, he has a weapon that may be well utilized on the power play.

Footage: Matt Irwin discusses the most important aspect of hitting the ‘prime time’ in hockey, becoming a bobblehead.

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Fantasy Prospects Report Notes (Any FPR’s released in the last 18 months will not be listed here):

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Matt Irwin statistics courtesy of Elite Prospects