Logan Mailloux, Adam Engstrom, and William Trudeau are three defensemen starting the season in Laval, eager to receive a call-up from the Montreal Canadiens. David Reinbacher is not included in this group due to an injury.
As of October 9, Mailloux stands out as a young player likely to see some game time this season, alongside others like Jayden Struble, Justin Barron, Arber Xhekaj, and Lane Hutson.
Conversely, Mike Matheson, David Savard, and Kaiden Guhle have secured spots in the lineup—assuming they stay healthy. Out of these, Guhle, due to his youth and contract lasting until 2031, appears to have the most stable future. In contrast, the two veteran Québécois players may be contemplating their own futures.
Matheson and Savard could be nearing the end of their time in Montreal, raising the question of how long they will remain, especially since the Habs aim to compete this season. If all goes well, Matheson might not be traded, but Savard’s future is uncertain—would the team risk losing him for nothing in the summer?
These are critical considerations for Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton, particularly in light of the potential for a disappointing season. With Savard eligible for free agency in 2025 and Matheson in 2026, it seems likely Savard could depart if performance falters—an expectation I hold for this season.
Matheson, possessing the profile of a player who could stay longer if he maintains strong performance, might also attract interest from other teams, especially with the Habs’ growing number of left-handed prospects.
Richard Labbé, during a discussion at La Presse, expressed his belief that Matheson is likely to be traded and could command a substantial contract afterward. If Matheson were to leave, it’s conceivable that Savard would also go, complicating things for the Habs’ defensive depth, especially if injuries occur.
Hence, if the Canadiens trade Matheson, they must consider the potential loss of Savard to free agency, which could leave them without either player next offseason, a critical period in their rebuilding strategy.
While it’s premature to predict these outcomes with the season ongoing, the management will need to evaluate any significant trade offers for their veteran players. Until further developments clarify the situation, Savard remains on an expiring contract.
