Matthew Phillips Bio
Matthew Phillips (born April 6, 1998) is a Canadian professional ice hockey right wing who currently plays for the San Diego Gulls of the American Hockey League (AHL). He was selected by the Calgary Flames in the sixth round, 166th overall, of the 2016 National Hockey League (NHL) Entry Draft. Listed at 5 feet 8 inches and 160 pounds, Phillips has built his career on offensive skill and speed despite his smaller frame.
After developing through the Western Hockey League (WHL) with the Victoria Royals, Phillips turned professional in 2017 and has since moved between the NHL and the AHL. He is known for his scoring touch at the minor-league level and for logging appearances with the Calgary Flames, Washington Capitals, and Pittsburgh Penguins before continuing his career in the AHL.
Early Life and Background
Matthew Phillips was born on April 6, 1998, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Growing up in a city with a deep hockey tradition, he began playing organized youth hockey at a young age and quickly developed a reputation as a skilled and confident goal scorer. His early development came through the Calgary minor hockey system, where his offensive instincts stood out.
Before entering major junior hockey, Phillips played for the Calgary Bisons of the Alberta Major Bantam Hockey League (AMBHL). In the season leading up to his draft year, he produced 40 goals and 77 points in 37 games, numbers that established him as one of the top young players in the province. He also spent time with the Calgary Buffaloes of the Alberta Midget Hockey League (AMHL), continuing to build the scoring foundation that would define his career.
Path to Professional Hockey
Phillips was selected 33rd overall by the Victoria Royals in the 2013 WHL Bantam Draft. Because WHL rules prevent players under 16 from appearing in regular-season games, he was returned to his midget team for the 2013–14 season, where he recorded 15 goals and 35 points in 33 games with the Buffaloes. The following year, after leading the AMHL in scoring, he was called up to the Royals and made his WHL debut on January 23, 2015, scoring a goal against the Kamloops Blazers.
During his junior career, Phillips earned several individual honours in the AMHL, including the Harry Allen Memorial Trophy as the league’s top scorer and the Trevor Linden Trophy as its best forward. He was also named to the AMHL First All-Star Team, recognition that helped pave the way for his professional opportunity with the Calgary Flames organization.
Matthew Phillips Career
Early Career (2017–2021)
On December 31, 2017, Phillips signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Calgary Flames worth $2.325 million. He spent his first professional seasons developing with the Flames’ AHL affiliates, refining his game and adjusting to the pace of professional hockey. His offensive production at the minor-league level made him a consistent point producer and a key part of the organization’s depth chart.
Phillips made his NHL debut on May 19, 2021, against the Vancouver Canucks, recording two shots on goal in 14:19 of ice time during a 6–2 Calgary victory. The appearance marked the culmination of his development pathway from a WHL prospect to an NHL player.
Calgary Flames and Stockton Heat Era (2021–2023)
After his debut, Phillips signed a one-year, two-way contract extension with the Flames worth $750,000 at the NHL level. During the 2021–22 season with the Stockton Heat, he became the franchise’s all-time leader in career goals and points, cementing his status as one of the AHL’s most consistent scorers. His ability to produce offence drove the Heat’s attack throughout the year.
The following season, Phillips moved with the affiliate to the Calgary Wranglers after the Flames relocated their AHL operations. He led the Wranglers in goals and points and earned the AHL Player of the Month award for November 2022. He was also named to the AHL All-Star Classic and to the AHL First All-Star Team, sharing those honours with goaltender Dustin Wolf and coach Mitch Love.
Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins (2023–2024)
On July 2, 2023, Phillips signed a one-year, one-way contract worth $775,000 with the Washington Capitals, reuniting with former Wranglers coach Mitch Love. He scored his first career NHL goal and added an assist in his Washington debut against his former Flames team on October 16, 2023. Through his first five appearances he registered three points, though he later found his ice time reduced.
On February 16, 2024, Phillips was claimed off waivers by the Pittsburgh Penguins, and he debuted for Pittsburgh on February 18, 2024, in a 2–1 loss to the Los Angeles Kings. After going scoreless in three games, he was returned on waivers and reclaimed by Washington on March 6, 2024. He finished the year with the Hershey Bears, the Capitals’ AHL affiliate, helping the club defend the Calder Cup in six postseason appearances.
Colorado Avalanche Organization (2024–2025)
Phillips signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Colorado Avalanche on August 9, 2024. After training camp he was assigned to the Colorado Eagles of the AHL, where he assumed a top-line forward role. He led the Eagles in points with 18 goals and 39 assists for 57 points, ranking second on the team in assists and fifth in goals. His 57-point season marked his third AHL campaign with 55 or more points in four years.
Phillips helped the Eagles claim the Pacific Division title and added eight points in nine Calder Cup Playoff appearances. His play throughout the year reinforced his reputation as a reliable AHL offensive leader.
San Diego Gulls Era (2025–Present)
On July 2, 2025, Phillips signed a two-year AHL contract with the San Diego Gulls, another Pacific Division club. The move signalled his decision to continue his career at the top minor-league level while remaining within driving distance of the NHL. He joined the Gulls looking to build on a string of productive AHL seasons.
Driving Style and Strengths
Phillips is recognized for his quick hands, sharp shooting, and ability to generate offence in tight spaces. Despite his smaller stature, he plays a confident, skilled game and thrives as a playmaker in offensive-zone situations. His consistency as a point producer at the AHL level has been the defining feature of his professional career.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among his signature achievements, Phillips became the Stockton Heat’s all-time franchise leader in goals and points, earned AHL Player of the Month honours in November 2022, and was selected to the AHL First All-Star Team. He also scored his first career NHL goal in his Washington Capitals debut against the Calgary Flames on October 16, 2023.
Matthew Phillips Career Wins
Matthew Phillips has built a steady professional resume defined by offensive production in the AHL, including franchise records, divisional titles, and individual awards. His career has featured both NHL opportunities and sustained excellence at the minor-league level.
AHL Highlights
Phillips set the Stockton Heat’s all-time record for goals and points during the 2021–22 season. He later led the Calgary Wranglers in goals and points in 2022–23 and was named to the AHL First All-Star Team that same year. With the Colorado Eagles in 2024–25, he paced the club in points and helped it win the Pacific Division title.
Other Wins and Performances
Phillips captured the Harry Allen Memorial Trophy as the AMHL’s top scorer and the Trevor Linden Trophy as the league’s best forward during his junior development. He also contributed to the Hershey Bears’ Calder Cup defence in 2024, appearing in six postseason games as a depth forward.
Matthew Phillips Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
Phillips grew up in Calgary, Alberta, where he developed within the local minor hockey system. Public details about his parents and extended family remain limited.
Personal Life
Matthew Phillips focuses primarily on his professional hockey career. Verified public information about his spouse, children, or residence is not currently available.
2025 Season Performance
Matthew Phillips joined the San Diego Gulls on a two-year AHL contract in July 2025, continuing his run of strong minor-league play. Coming off a 57-point season with the Colorado Eagles, he is expected to play a top-six forward role for the Gulls in the Pacific Division.
His track record of 55-plus point seasons in three of the past four years positions him as a key offensive contributor for San Diego. The two-year deal provides him with stability and a clear opportunity to push for an NHL recall if his production remains strong.
With the Gulls aiming to compete in the Pacific Division, Phillips’s scoring touch and playmaking will be central to their offensive identity through the 2025–26 campaign.
