Price Rising for Canadiens Defenseman

The Montreal Canadiens are a team on the rise. After making the postseason last year, the team improved even more with the additions of Noah Dobson and Zac Bolduc and the extension of rising star defender Lane Hutson.

As the Canadiens’ core gains experience and takes over the league, the price for a key veteran is rising steadily. Mike Matheson has been an impressive part of the Montreal defense since arriving before the 2022-2023 season. Once again this year, he’s off to an excellent start on the top pairing’s left side and his next contract is getting more expensive.

Veteran Leader

Over the past three seasons, Matheson has been an anchor and veteran leader for Montreal. After a disappointing two seasons with the Pittsburgh Penguins, a fresh start was just what he needed and he’s repaid the Canadiens with excellent two-way play. Since debuting with the Habs, he’s averaged over 24 minutes of ice time and surpassed 30 points in each campaign. His career-best offensive campaign came with Montreal in 2023-2024, when he recorded 62 points in 82 regular season contests.

Through eight games, the Habs are relying heavily on Matheson once again on the top pairing. He has two goals and three assists for five points in eight games and he’s played more than 25 minutes in four of those contests.

Not only has his productivity risen with the Canadiens, but his role as a leader has grown infinitely as well. As insider David Pagnotta recently explained, Matheson values the organization and being a positive example for youngsters Dobson and Hutson.

“He loves playing there, loves being a part of it, loves being a mentor to some of the younger guys,” Pagnotta said. ”Now, his game has changed, or his responsibilities have changed, with Hutson being in the mix, and obviously, now the addition of Noah Dobson. He can be a little bit more responsible as a two-way type of defenseman.”