The Toronto Rock announced Monday they have acquired forward Mark Matthews from the Saskatchewan Rush in exchange for forward Zach Manns, defender Adam Jay and the Rock’s first round pick (12th overall) in the 2023 NLL Draft.

“We’ve been looking for that premier lefty for a long time,” said Toronto Rock owner, president, and GM Jamie Dawick in a statement. “We believe Mark is one of those premier lefties in this league and when you get the chance to add a player like that, considering the roster and where we are at, we feel this is a huge addition.”

Matthews, a veteran of ten NLL seasons, has topped the 100-point mark five times and almost made it six as he put up 98 points with the Rush last season.

Originally selected first overall in the 2012 NLL Draft by the Rush, the Oshawa, Ont., native has played 170 games, scored 343 goals, added 606 assists for 949 points.

Matthews is also a three-time NLL champion (2015, 2016, 2018), a regular season MVP (2018) and a Champion’s Cup Finals MVP (2015).

“I’m very excited and it hasn’t fully sunk in quite yet,” said Matthews in a statement. “I couldn’t be happier to be playing for a franchise with such a rich tradition.”

“We couldn’t run it back with the same group, and at the same time no one is putting the blame on any individuals. You always have to give up something of significance to get something in this league,” said Dawick in the statement on the trade.

“We needed to get better up front, and we needed that strong ball carrier. Mark is that guy now and for the foreseeable future. The opportunity to get a premier lefty in this league couldn’t be passed up.”