🛡️ Mike Matheson on the Trade Block? Canadiens Face Crucial Offseason Crossroads…read more…

Montreal, QC – July 8, 2025
As the hockey world settles into the heat of summer, things are heating up off the ice for the Montreal Canadiens. The spotlight now falls squarely on Mike Matheson, the club’s top defenseman — and potentially, their next big trade chip.

Reports swirling out of Montreal indicate that the Canadiens have placed an ultimatum on contract talks with the 31-year-old blueliner. If a deal isn’t reached soon, the club is prepared to move on from their cornerstone defenseman, whose stock has never been higher.

With Matheson entering the final year of his current contract and the Canadiens looking to reshape their roster and manage cap space, this storyline is developing fast — and could mark a pivotal turning point in Montreal’s rebuild.

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🧊 The Matheson File

Since arriving in Montreal via the 2022 trade that sent Jeff Petry to Pittsburgh, Mike Matheson has blossomed into a top-pairing defenseman. Known for his smooth skating, elite zone exits, and ability to quarterback a power play, Matheson has been arguably the team’s most consistent and dynamic D-man.

📊 2024–25 Stats:

• Games Played: 78

• Goals: 9

• Assists: 42

• Points: 51

• Plus/Minus: +7

• Average TOI: 24:15 (team leader)

Not only has he produced offensively, but his leadership and presence in a young locker room have made him an invaluable piece of the puzzle — or so it seemed.

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💬 Contract Standoff: What’s the Issue?

The Canadiens are reportedly willing to extend Matheson, but negotiations have hit a wall over both term and AAV (average annual value). The blueliner, who turns 32 in February, is seeking a multi-year extension in the ballpark of $6.5–$7 million per season — a bump from his current $4.875M cap hit.

Montreal, on the other hand, appears cautious. While they recognize his value, GM Kent Hughes is playing the long game. With several young defensemen rising — including David Reinbacher, Lane Hutson, and Logan Mailloux — the Canadiens may not want to lock up another high-priced veteran as they gradually hand the reins to a new generation.

That tension has reportedly led to the front office giving Matheson’s camp a “now or never” ultimatum: sign before camp or be moved.

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🔄 Why Trade Now?

Letting a player of Matheson’s caliber walk for nothing next summer would be a disastrous look for a team already navigating a sensitive rebuild. Trading him now — while his value is sky-high — gives the Habs a chance to:

• Recoup high-end assets (possibly a 1st-round pick + prospect)

• Clear nearly $5M in cap space

• Make room for younger defensemen to get NHL minutes

• Reallocate spending toward forward depth or a veteran center

Additionally, with Matheson’s minutes increasing and Montreal’s defensive pipeline blossoming, the club may believe his peak value won’t last forever.

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📦 Possible Landing Spots

Should Montreal pull the trigger, multiple teams are already lining up for a top-4 defenseman with playoff poise and transitional ability. Potential suitors include:

🧡 Philadelphia Flyers

GM Daniel Brière has been aggressively reshaping the Flyers’ blue line. Matheson would add mobility to a physical D-corps.

⚪ Edmonton Oilers

After falling short in the Western Final, the Oilers are desperate for a two-way defenseman who can relieve Darnell Nurse and contribute on the power play.

💙 Toronto Maple Leafs

It’s unlikely Montreal trades in-division, but Toronto is still seeking a puck-moving left-shot defender — and they have prospects to tempt Hughes.

🔵 Seattle Kraken

With cap room and playoff ambitions, Seattle could be a stealth contender for Matheson’s services.

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🧠 What the Habs Are Thinking

This is where Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton must walk a tightrope. Trade Matheson too soon, and you risk derailing next season’s progress. Wait too long, and you lose leverage.

However, the Canadiens have shown a willingness to be proactive rather than reactive. Just last week, they signed goalie Jakub Dobeš to a two-year extension and have been active in the free-agent market—adding depth players like William Trudeau and acquiring Zachary Bolduc from St. Louis.

A Matheson trade, while unpopular with some fans, could bring critical long-term pieces that align with the team’s projected window — around 2026–27.

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📣 What’s Being Said

Hockey pundits and insiders are divided on the potential move:

“If Montreal trades Matheson, they better hit a home run. He’s been their steadiest defenseman in years,” said TSN’s Pierre LeBrun.

“It’s the right time. If they’re not going to re-sign him, they must move him while the market is red hot,” countered NHL Network’s Kevin Weekes.

Fan reactions across social media have ranged from frustrated to understanding:

@HabsLifer22: “Can’t believe they’re dangling Matheson. This team needs veterans!”
@FutureHabsFan: “Let Reinbacher cook. Move Mike now and stack assets.”

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🧭 What Happens Next?

All eyes are now on the calendar. Training camp opens in early September. If Matheson doesn’t have a new deal by mid-August, trade rumors will only intensify.

And if a contender — like Edmonton or Seattle — comes calling with a juicy offer, Hughes may have no choice but to pull the trigger.

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🏁 Final Take

Mike Matheson has been everything the Canadiens could ask for since arriving in 2022: skilled, reliable, and respected. But NHL front offices are rarely sentimental.

If Montreal is committed to their long-term vision, the tough decisions must be made now — and that could mean saying goodbye to their top defenseman while the price is high.

The clock is ticking. And for Mike Matheson and the Montreal Canadiens, the offseason just got a lot more interesting.