Since joining the Montreal Canadiens, Mike Matheson has established himself as one of the NHL’s effective offensive defensemen. While he has his flaws, he is certainly capable of contributing offensively.
His performance last season, where he scored 62 points in 82 games, demonstrates his ability, and he’s already added three points in four games this season.
As the Canadiens undergo a rebuild, the thought of trading Matheson while his value is high has been considered. However, given the team’s youth, trading him now would pose significant risks in the short term. The organization aims to be competitive, which makes trading Matheson illogical. This viewpoint was shared by Mathias Brunet and Martin Lemay on BPM Sports, leading to a consensus that it might be better to retain Matheson, even if no return is received.
Currently, Matheson’s trade value is likely at its peak—offensive defensemen earning $4.875 million for two more years are highly sought after. However, there’s also the value he brings to the Canadiens. As noted by colleague Tony Patoine, “use value” is essential to consider here.
At present, Montreal lacks another defenseman who can fulfill Matheson’s role. The expectation is that younger players will develop into capable defenders, but relying on Lane Hutson and Kaiden Guhle to do so immediately is unrealistic.
Even though Matheson isn’t without his drawbacks, he’s currently the best defenseman on the team and has a knack for generating offense. If the younger players progress rapidly, Matheson’s role might diminish over the coming months. However, as the Habs look to become competitive, experience is crucial, and Matheson is a player who can help achieve victories.
While Kent Hughes might receive a tempting offer for the 30-year-old defenseman, his contribution to the team is significant. The critical question remains whether his contract will be extended through the 2026-27 season; at this point, it’s too early to determine his value to the team and whether it will align with the large contract he will likely seek.
