Can we stop thinking about swapping Mike Matheson

It’s true that there’s an abundance of defensemen in the organization, on both the left and the right…

But just because that’s the case and Matheson’s value doesn’t necessarily mean he should be sent elsewhere.

The Habs want to make the playoffs next year, and they need an offensive guy like Matheson on the blue line.

Yes, Lane Hutson showed some nice things on the ice last night, but will he keep up the same pace over 82 games?

Matheson showed he’s important to the Habs because he plays a big role on the ice and in the dressing room.

We’re talking about a veteran who’s close to the players… And the Habs can’t start the season with just one veteran on the blue line in David Savard.

It’s not as if a Johnathan Kovacevic, a Jordan Harris or a Jayden Struble has the same impact as Matheson in the Habs lineup, either.

Some believe that Matheson and Hutson can’t coexist on the same blue line in Montreal.

In fact, Matheson was asked the question this morning during locker clearing…

And Matheson laughed, quite simply:

Why wouldn’t it work?

Because they have defensive shortcomings and because they’re offensive guys?

The Habs have two defensemen with the potential to score 50-60 points a season… And they’re already in Montreal.

People complain that the Habs can’t score goals, and that’s been the case for a few years now.

Now we want to get rid of a defenseman who has scored over 60 points this season because his value is good and because he doesn’t earn much money for what he brings to a club on the ice?

Let’s see. We should be happy to have him in town, Mike Matheson…

Gossip

– That’s it boys!

– Another feat within Alex Ovechkin’s grasp.

– Voilà.

– Let’s go!