Rookie Makes History As The Lightest NHL Skater Ever

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James Connelly
October 9, 2023 (9:15 PM)

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A Washington Capitals rookie has made history as the lightest skater in NHL history.

Phillips Makes History

Today the Washington Capitals announced their full roster and on the roster is 5'7" Matthew Phillips. He has made history as the lightest NHL skater in history.

Caption via NHL Breakers on Instagram25 year old Matthew Phillips signed as a free agent in Washington after playing just 3 career games with the Flames.

Phillips worked his way through training camp and made the full-time roster. A very cool story as he's tied for the shortest player in the league at 5'7, and is by far the lightest.

Even Nathan Gerbe, who's 5'4, clocked in at 175 lbs.

Phillips is the lightest forward or dman ever, even going back to the original-6 days.

The title for lightest goalie ever goes to Roy «Shrimp» Worters, who played in the 1930s. He was 5'3, 135lbs.

It should be noted that Phillips is not the shortest skater in NHL history, that was Nathan Gerbe

Will Phillips Be An Impact Player?

With Phillips being so slight, it leads to the question of why he is making the Capitals roster. For Phillips, he has a boatload of skill and has been torching the AHL for the past few years. Last year alone he had 76 points in 66 games.

He was also Washington's best player in preseason and developed phenomenal chemistry with Alex Ovechkin.

Now, Phillips will look to stay in Washington's lineup all year and if he does, he could be one of the best storylines in the NHL this year.