The hockey world has been sent into a frenzy this summer, as the long-awaited price tag for Mike Matheson has finally come to light. For months, speculation has swirled around the talented defenseman, with fans and insiders alike eager to learn just what it would take for a team to acquire one of the league’s most dynamic blue-liners.

Now, with the true asking price finally revealed, shockwaves are rippling through front offices and locker rooms across the NHL.

Teams are reportedly scrambling to reassess their strategies, while general managers are left weighing the risks and rewards of making such a massive move.

The magnitude of the demand has left even the most seasoned insiders stunned, sparking heated debates about player value and team-building philosophies.

For fans, the astronomical figure attached to Matheson’s name has become the talk of the offseason, igniting conversations about whether any franchise will be bold enough to meet the Canadiens’ terms.

As the dust settles, one thing is clear: the market for elite defensemen may never be the same again.

Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

Since joining the Montreal Canadiens, Mike Matheson has been a key piece in the team’s rebuild.

His 2023-2024 season, which was his best in terms of points (62) in his career, brought new life not only to his own game but also to the young Canadiens squad at the time.

While his 2024-2025 season didn’t live up to expectations offensively (31 points), he did elevate his defensive game.

Not only was he the most heavily used player on the team, but with an average ice time of 25:05 per game, he was also the seventh most-used player in the entire NHL.

But with the rise of the team’s young defensemen, one has to wonder: is there still room for Matheson in Montreal?

A New Contract Coming for Mike Matheson?

This fall, Matheson will enter the final season of the 8-year contract he signed in October 2017 while playing for the Florida Panthers.

Currently earning $4.875M per season, he’ll likely receive a significant raise on his next deal.

On that note, AFP Analytics – which provides projections for potential contract extensions via the site Capwages – has estimated the value of the veteran defenseman’s next contract.

The Cost of Mike Matheson’s Next Contract

According to their projections, Matheson could earn $6.5 million per season on a 4-year deal. Considering the salary cap is expected to rise significantly in the coming years, that’s not bad.

But is committing to another four seasons really logical given the team’s current situation?

Kent Hughes and his staff will need to start thinking now about what they want to do with Matheson.

In recent days, I mentioned that he might be Kent Hughes’ last major trade chip to acquire a center.

Do you think he’ll be traded for that reason?