Good trade.
Matthias cost is nothing but money to sign. He filled a uniform for the better part of the year. He will be a UFA on July 1.
Turning him into a fourth-round pick and anything is a bonus. Especially the fourth-round pick.
Who knows if the Leafs will even re-sign Colin Smith, who is an RFA at the end of this year? At worst, he was the necessary contract take-back to allow the deal to go through, and he might fill a need for the Marlies this season. At best, if the Leafs re-sign him for next year, that indicates they see some kind of potential for something at the pro level. I am highly doubtful that he ever makes the NHL, but he still might have some use to the Leafs in the grand scheme of things. Otherwise, he will walk too at the end of the season.
All around, it was very encouraging and a very good day.
Now let's see if Lou can do anything with the other UFA's.