The Montreal Canadiens are once again making headlines, this time with speculation swirling around the future of one of their most reliable defensemen. As the team continues to reshape its roster following a dramatic return to the playoffs, reports have emerged suggesting that Mike Matheson, a former first-round pick and current assistant captain, could be on the trading block.

With the recent acquisition and long-term extension of Noah Dobson, the Canadiens have signaled their commitment to building a formidable blue line for years to come. However, tough decisions often follow major upgrades, and the organization now faces a potential contract standoff with Matheson. As rumors intensify, fans and analysts alike are left to wonder whether the Canadiens are prepared to part ways with a key veteran who has been instrumental in their resurgence. The next chapter in Montreal’s ongoing transformation could be defined by the fate of Matheson, whose future with the team hangs in the balance as negotiations continue.

Mike Matheson prepares to take the ice in practice with the Canadiens

Photo credit: MTL Blog

Per a new report from NHL analyst Frank Seravalli of The Daily Faceoff, the Montreal Canadiens could be preparing to trade former 1st round pick Mike Matheson.

The Montreal Canadiens have made tremendous progress from the position that they found themselves in shortly after their Cinderella-esque run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2021.

They finished near the bottom of the standings in each of the next 2 years before slowly beginning to turn the tide, and would return to the postseason for the 1st time since the aforementioned SCF fun this year, putting a scare into the Washington Capitals in the ECQF before falling in 5 games.

Since then, the Canadiens have made a serious upgrade on their blue line, acquiring Noah Dobson from the New York Islanders and then extending him to an 8-year, $76 million deal with an AAV (average annual value) of $9.5 million.

But now, a new report from NHL analyst Frank Seravalli of The Daily Faceoff indicates that the Canadiens could be considering a trade of former 1st round pick Mike Matheson, who is an assistant captain.

Frank Seravalli: Michael Matheson could be on the move, that’s another guy they’re looking at; you can be part of this group and re-sign and if it’s not at a reasonable number we’re moving you – Kevin Karius Show

Matheson, who was 23rd overall pick of the Florida Panthers in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, would play the 1st several years of his career with the team before being dealt to the Pittsburgh Penguins along with Colton Sceviour, in exchange for Patric Hornqvist.

After a brief tenure with the Penguins, Matheson was on the move again, this time to the Canadiens for Jeff Petry and Ryan Poehling.

He has 265 points (74G, 191A) in 627 career games. He has 1 year left on his current contract with an AAV of $4,875,000.