The Sheffield Steelers cemented their long-term netminding plans on Wednesday [11 June], signing Matthew Greenfield to a three-year contract extension.
Since joining the Steelers ahead of the 2022-23 Elite League season, Greenfield has kept 20 shutouts and upheld a .921 save percentage through 183 domestic appearances.
Recognised as an Elite League All-Star in three consecutive seasons, Greenfield recorded a .926 save percentage to lead Sheffield to the Champions Hockey League round of sixteen last term.
“To get him back on a long term deal is an extremely important piece to our group for the short and long term,”said Sheffield head coach Aaron Fox.
“Not only is Matthew a great player on the ice, he’s also just a great person and teammate… his level of preparation and professionalism is pure class.”
Greenfield, who backstopped the Steelers to a historic league, cup, and playoff treble in 2023-24, added: “We had options [with other teams], but my wife and I love it in Sheffield, and staying with the Steelers came out on top when we weighed everything up.
“I looked at other leagues, after the last couple of seasons I’ve had… and there were talks, but I stayed in touch with Foxy and decided that Sheffield was where we wanted to be if we could iron out a long-term deal.”
Analysis: Sheffield Steelers make statement of intent with three-year deal for Matthew Greenfield
Matthew Greenfield is a bizarrely divisive figure amongst Elite League fans.
Matthew Greenfield, Sheffield Steelers (Image: Dean Woolley)
Depending on who you ask, the 30-year-old is either an all-time great or just about average.
In reality, Greenfield’s numbers speak for themselves — through three seasons in the Elite League, he has established himself as one of the best shot-stoppers to grace these shores.
Sheffield’s run to the Champions Hockey League knockouts put his best attributes on show, with the American standing on his head when the ice was tilted against his side.
“I wasn’t sure if [extending Greenfield] would be possible,” Fox said of his negotiations with the CHL All-Star, “I’m glad we could stay patient and get this done”.
However, this deal — one of the longest in Elite League history — isn’t without risk.
Outside the National Hockey League, three-year contracts are very rarely offered. And for understandable reasons — hockey’s physical demands increase injury odds, especially for netminders in their thirties.
Sheffield’s press release spells out exactly why they offered Greenfield such an unusually long contract.
Firstly, Fox rates him highly.
Secondly, with suitors in stronger leagues, Greenfield would only agree to stay in Sheffield on a standard-setting deal.
The Steelers heard Greenfield’s demands and stretched every sinew to keep him on their books.
It’ll end in tears or trophies — but you can’t question Sheffield’s ambition. They aren’t playing around in the Steel City.
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