Mike Matheson file: Edmonton Oilers show interest

Indeed, as Marco D’Amico reports in his latest article for RG Media, the Oilers want to improve their defense, and they value Mike Matheson’s style of defense.

The Oilers really like Matheson’s mobility and agility, qualities they feel are important in a defenseman to complement the offensive play of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.

There’s clearly a connection between Matheson and the Oilers, so it’s easy to see why Edmonton is interested in the Habs’ number 8.

However, there’s nothing imminent in Matheson’s case.

The Habs aren’t looking to trade him right now, and Kent Hughes might be tempted to wait until the market for defensemen shrinks, and several teams call the Habs after missing out on the free agent market.

Teams looking to improve their defense and unable to sign Vladislav Gavrikov or Ivan Provorov, for example, could very well be interested in Mike Matheson.

And if there is a market for Matheson, there will be an overbid, allowing Kent Hughes to get as much as possible for his defenseman.

We know that Hughes always has a price for his players, and that he almost never deviates from it. It would therefore be surprising if Hughes let Matheson go at the first offer.

In short, this is an issue we’ll have to keep a close eye on between now and the start of the season, because the acquisition of Dobson is clearly a game-changer for the Habs defence.

Right now, here’s what it could look like, if we make sure to respect each defender’s natural position.

Hutson – Carrier
Guhle – Dobson
Matheson/Xhekaj – Struble

And that’s without mentioning Logan Mailloux, David Reinbacher and even Adam Engstrom, all of whom will be looking to make their mark in Montreal.

It will be interesting to see what the Habs do with Matheson.

Overtime

– To be continued.

– Several interesting files.

– The fierce battle between the McLarens for the drivers’ championship continues.

– A beautiful moment, as Alonso congratulates Gabriel Bortoleto on his Formula 1 debut.