Canucks GM says Shawn Matthias 'will probably' test free-agent market

Vancouver Canucks forward Shawn Matthias will likely explore free agency on July 1, general manager Jim Benning says.

"I think Shawn will probably end up going to test the free-agent market," Benning told TSN 1040 in Vancouver on Wednesday.

"He had a good year (and) he deserves that opportunity."

The pending unrestricted free agent scored 18 goals for the Canucks. He carried a cap hit of $1.75 million in 2014-15.

Benning said he has been in touch with representatives for Matthias and fellow pending UFA Brad Richardson.

"With Brad, we've kept in contact with his agent, and depending on what happens here (in) these next couple (of) weeks, he's a guy that we would look to try to bring back."

Richardson was limited by an ankle injury and registered 21 points in 45 games.