In a recent *Hockey Inside/Out* bonus episode, analysts discussed whether the Montreal Canadiens should re-sign or trade veteran defenseman Mike Matheson. Matheson, a Montreal native, currently has a contract with an annual salary cap hit of $4.875 million and will be 32 years old when his deal concludes. This has sparked a debate on whether his long-term future should be with the Canadiens or if they would benefit from moving him before his contract expires.
Former Canadiens players Chris Nilan and Rick Green, who were part of Montreal’s 1986 Stanley Cup-winning team, joined The Gazette’s Stu Cowan to weigh in on Matheson’s potential future with the team. They analyzed both the pros and cons of keeping Matheson as he heads into the latter stages of his career.
On one side, re-signing Matheson could provide the Canadiens with an experienced defenseman who knows the team well and could continue to bring stability to the lineup. Matheson’s veteran presence could be valuable to a relatively young roster, especially as he brings leadership and familiarity with the Montreal market. However, considering his age and the potential cost of a new contract, re-signing him might not align with the Canadiens’ long-term rebuilding plans, particularly if they’re focused on developing younger talent in the defensive lineup.
Alternatively, trading Matheson before his contract ends could give the Canadiens a chance to acquire valuable assets, such as draft picks or prospects, which could better support their future roster goals. Matheson’s experience and skill level could be attractive to teams looking to strengthen their defense in the short term, especially those in playoff contention. By trading him, the Canadiens would gain flexibility in their cap space, which could be used to invest in younger players or other areas of need.
Nilan and Green shared insights on the complexities of the decision, emphasizing the importance of aligning Matheson’s future with Montreal’s goals. The episode invited fans to voice their opinions in the comments section and submit questions for future discussions with Nilan and Green, underscoring the continued engagement from the Canadiens’ community regarding team decisions.
In deciding Matheson’s future, the Canadiens will have to consider both his current contributions and the potential long-term benefits of either keeping or trading him. This decision highlights a balancing act between veteran leadership and the team’s focus on building a younger, sustainable roster for future success.