Mark Matthews has had quite a week in both professional leagues. The second year player for the Edmonton Rush and third year player, now on the Rochester Rattlers, secured his long term future in the game at the pro level.
First, Matthews signed a five year deal with the Rush. Matthews won the National Lacrosse League rookie of the year in 2013 and led the Rush with 38 goals, a Rush rookie record. He was fifth in the league in goals with that total and won rookie of the month three times.
Meanwhile with Major League Lacrosse, Matthews was traded for the second time in as many years. Drafted by the Denver Outlaws out of Denver University, he was traded to the New York Lizards before last season.
Now as the Lizards continue a major rebuilding effort, acquiring Ned Crotty this week, they traded Matthews to another rebuilding team, the Rochester Rattlers, in return for Steve DeNapoli.
Matthews has seen a big week, locking himself up long term with Edmonton and getting a new start in Rochester.
