The question on every Montreal Canadiens fan’s mind is simple: what is the future of Mike Matheson with the club? As an analyst who has followed his career closely, I can tell you that the chatter around the league isn’t just smoke and mirrors. The Canadiens’ front office sees Matheson not just as a player for today, but as a crucial piece for their future.
The Veteran Presence the Canadiens Desperately Need
Let’s be clear, Mike Matheson has been the workhorse of this Canadiens blueline for the past three seasons. He’s eaten up tough minutes, quarterbacked the power play, and faced the opposition’s best, night in and night out. While that heavy workload has inevitably led to some defensive lapses that critics are quick to pounce on, you can’t overlook the sheer volume of his contributions. As Habs analyst Renaud Lavoie correctly pointed out, the improved depth on the Canadiens’ defense, especially with a partner like Noah Dobson, will be a game-changer. A reduced workload means a more effective, less fatigued Matheson, which should terrify the rest of the Atlantic Division.
Why a Contract Extension Makes Perfect Sense
From a management perspective, letting a player like Matheson walk in free agency next July would be a colossal mistake. He’s a leader in the room, consistently praised by teammates and management, and at 31, he still has plenty of high-level hockey left in him. He has openly stated his desire to remain in Montreal, and with contract talks already underway, the writing is on the wall.
I predict we’ll see a multi-year extension, likely in the 3-4 year range, with a cap hit that reflects his importance but also provides the team with flexibility. Keeping him in the fold provides stability on the back end and a veteran mentor for the younger defensemen coming up. Don’t be surprised to see this deal get done well before the free agency frenzy begins. The Canadiens know what they have in Mike Matheson, and they’re not about to let him go.
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The post Why Re-Signing Mike Matheson is a Non-Negotiable for the Montreal Canadiens appeared first on NHL Trade Rumors.
