Poor Mike Matheson. The Quebec defender, who was one of the rare rays of light in an already dark season for the Montreal Canadiens, now finds himself at the center of transaction rumors which are igniting social networks and the entire province.
With a record of 5-10-2 after 17 games, the Canadian occupies last place in the NHL standings. This catastrophic start to the season forces management to review its objectives.
If hopes of being “in the mix” fade, it makes sense for Kent Hughes to reevaluate his assets, especially those with high market value, like Matheson.
The defender will never be worth what he was worth this summer, while GM Kent Hughes had the chance to trade the defender when his value was at its peak.
An unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2026, an extension for a 32-year-old could prove costly, especially with the emergence of young talents like Kaiden Guhle and Lane Hutson.
According to what is circulating, Matheson’s agent would aim for a five to six year contract at an annual salary hovering around $6 million, a price that the Canadian will never pay.
And we wonder which GM would be crazy enough to pay this salary to a defender who is so dangerous defensively, in every sense of the word.
According to a rumor that is gaining momentum, the Nashville Predators have a strong interest in Matheson. After a catastrophic start to the season, Nashville is doing better and is aiming for the Stanley Cup.
After breaking spending records on the free agent market with the signings of Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, and Brady Skjei, the Predators are looking to strengthen their defensive brigade, particularly on the offensive side and especially on the left side.
Right now, the Preds have Brady Skjei, Jeremy Lauzon and Marc del Gaizo on the left. This is why Matheson’s name is actively circulating in the country capital.
The mobile defender, capable of effectively restarting the attack, fits their needs perfectly.
The rumor circulating on the web sends him to Montreal with a first round pick and Zachary L’Heureux.
We are talking about the 2025 1st round pick belonging to the Vegas Golden Knights.
It must be admitted that the rumor is easy, Zachary L’Heureux is a controversial player, a little Quebec pest who fits exactly into the nasty mold that Kent Hughes is looking for.
Here are absolutely all the vicious blows that earned him suspensions in junior.
If Hughes wants a player who can hurt, he’s the number one candidate, for better or for worse.
The 2021 1st round pick (27th overall) has Logan Mailloux syndrome. Very very strong in the American league, but too weak for the NHL…for the moment..
3 meager passes in 13 games this season and his coach Andrew Brunette publicly targeted him for his indiscipline.
In 68 games with the Predators’ farm club last season, he scored 19 goals and 48 points.
His intense and sometimes dangerous style of play would make him a perfect candidate for a “soft” team like CH.
With a first-round pick, L’Heureux represents a tempting offer for a rebuilding club like the Canadiens who are looking for a forward capable of creating chaos on the ice.
Despite his obvious qualities which are the envy of several teams, including the Predators, Matheson is criticized from everywhere for his defensive errors, his sometimes questionable decision-making and above all, the fact that he takes the place of Lane Hutson on the first power play unit.
But for the Preds, who are looking to improve their transition and offensive game, he is the perfect candidate.
For Nashville, Matheson could fill an important void, especially with the window open for the Stanley Cup.
But for Montreal, the question remains: should we sacrifice a valued Quebec veteran to obtain a robust young player and a potential draft pick?
Especially since the train has passed. Kent Hughes could have traded Mike Matheson for much more, but he missed the opportunity last season and last summer.
Mike Matheson’s market value is no longer at its peak, but a trade with Nashville could allow Hughes to continue his rebuilding strategy by filling his pool with young talent.
Above all, Lane Hutson would finally have free rein. Since Matheson is the darling of St. Louis, he must be taken away by force.
If Hughes decides to keep Matheson, not only will his value continue to decline, but Hutson will still be “stuck” on the 2nd power play unit.
Mike Matheson finds himself at the heart of a broader debate about the future of the Montreal Canadiens. It is clear that he will no longer be in Montreal when CH is ready to win.
We might as well compromise now, especially since the objective is to reach the cellar.
Matheson’s fate is in the hands of his former agent. This is the problem for Kent Hughes who does not want to hurt his former client, who is the new father of a new little girl since this summer who has joined her big brother.
The fact that he is a Montrealer also complicates the emotional task of the CEO.
But if he really has the opportunity to get the bad guy L’Heureux and a 1st round pick, he shouldn’t hesitate.
The important thing is to make way for Lane Hutson. The longer we wait, the more Matheson’s value drops and the more Hutson’s development is not maximized.
It’s up to Kent Hughes to play.
