NHL Updates: Montreal Canadiens re-sign defenseman Mike Matheson to long-term extension
The Montreal Canadiens have taken a major step in the right direction of reinforcing their core by re-signing the veteran defenseman Mike Matheson on a new long-term contract . This shows that the organization is committed to retaining its premier defensive players while it works on its long-term identity. Only a select few players have earned this kind of confidence from the management, and Matheson has now made his case to be one of them.
Soon after the contract was announced, the details surrounding it became clear with several insiders, including David Pagnotta and Marco D’Amico, confirming that the Canadiens have secured a five-year, $30 million extension with a cap hit of $6 million AAV. Matheson, now 31 years old, has had a good season so far, scoring four goals and getting 14 points in 22 games while averaging almost 25 minutes of ice time per night. This has reinforced the fact that Montreal prioritized keeping him. A former first-round selection of the Florida Panthers, he has played 649 NHL games, scoring 78 goals and collecting 279 points with Florida, Pittsburgh, and Montreal.
Why did Montreal Canadiens choose to commit long-term to Mike Matheson?
However, the choice is not without its implications. Analysts have pointed out that Matheson’s even-strength metrics—like goals share and on-ice save percentage—have been inconsistent, mostly as a result of his being stationed in the defensive zone so much. With Dobson rising and Hutson progressing, Montreal sees Matheson moving into a support role rather than carrying the entire pairing’s defensive weight. His skills, agility, and leadership are still extremely important, particularly as young talents like David Reinbacher are getting closer to NHL readiness.
Matheson means that Montreal will have their first four defensemen under contract until 2030-31, which will free Hughes to start looking for the next big thing: a trustworthy second-line center who will help the team get the right mix for the future.
Also Read: NHL Trade Rumors: Vancouver Canucks considering trades as Montreal Canadiens show interest in Ryan O’Reilly
Soon after the contract was announced, the details surrounding it became clear with several insiders, including David Pagnotta and Marco D’Amico, confirming that the Canadiens have secured a five-year, $30 million extension with a cap hit of $6 million AAV. Matheson, now 31 years old, has had a good season so far, scoring four goals and getting 14 points in 22 games while averaging almost 25 minutes of ice time per night. This has reinforced the fact that Montreal prioritized keeping him. A former first-round selection of the Florida Panthers, he has played 649 NHL games, scoring 78 goals and collecting 279 points with Florida, Pittsburgh, and Montreal.
However, the choice is not without its implications. Analysts have pointed out that Matheson’s even-strength metrics—like goals share and on-ice save percentage—have been inconsistent, mostly as a result of his being stationed in the defensive zone so much. With Dobson rising and Hutson progressing, Montreal sees Matheson moving into a support role rather than carrying the entire pairing’s defensive weight. His skills, agility, and leadership are still extremely important, particularly as young talents like David Reinbacher are getting closer to NHL readiness.
Matheson means that Montreal will have their first four defensemen under contract until 2030-31, which will free Hughes to start looking for the next big thing: a trustworthy second-line center who will help the team get the right mix for the future.
Also Read: NHL Trade Rumors: Vancouver Canucks considering trades as Montreal Canadiens show interest in Ryan O’Reilly
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