Player Discussion Mike Matheson

[ChesterNimitz]

I think we should trade him at deadline. He's good defenseman and they usually fetch overpayment at deadline. Habs are stacked on left D. With maturity of Guhle, Harris and Jackeye. Gives extra 5 million in caproom next summer also

There are very few untouchables on this team’s roster. While I would be hesitant to trade a comparively young player who is our most mobile defenceman, if the offer is right (some team is willing to significantly overpay) then you move Matheson. Asset Management 101.

 

[Rapala]

One thing I need to say, I would have love to see Matheson on the left of Shea Weber when we where looking for a PMD LD to play with Weber.

It would have solved many problems for sure.

 

[HuGort]

There are very few untouchables on this team’s roster. While I would be hesitant to trade a comparively young player who is our most mobile defenceman, if the offers is right (some team is willing to significantly overpay) then you move Matheson. Asset Management 101.

Maybe a first? Plus we free up 5 million for next summer

 

[ChesterNimitz]

Maybe a first? Plus we free up 5 million for next summer

I think at a minimum, a first. But what is the allure of saving $5 million next summer? Do you think we will be in position to acquire free agents? At least any that will provide more than Matheson? Wouldn't that be a case of just shuffling the deck chairs on the Titanic. Lets keep our powder dry until the acquisition of a free agent will have greater strategic benefit.

 

[BaseballCoach]

There are very few untouchables on this team’s roster. While I would be hesitant to trade a comparively young player who is our most mobile defenceman, if the offers is right (some team is willing to significantly overpay) then you move Matheson. Asset Management 101.

Maybe a first? Plus we free up 5 million for next summer

Seriously?

"Maybe a first" is NOT significant overpayment!!

Romanov and the 98th pick got us a 13th overall

Matheson is worth more than Romanov.

 

[HuGort]

Man

I think at a minimum, a first. But what is the allure of saving $5 million next summer? Do you think we will be in position to acquire free agents? At least any that will provide more than Matheson? Wouldn't that be a case of just shuffling the deck chairs on the Titanic. Lets keep our powder dry until the acquisition of a free agent will have greater strategic benefit

I think at a minimum, a first. But what is the allure of saving $5 million next summer? Do you think we will be in position to acquire free agents? At least any that will provide more than Matheson? Wouldn't that be a case of just shuffling the deck chairs on the Titanic. Lets keep our powder dry until the acquisition of a free agent will have greater strategic benefit.

Many things I could do with extra 5 million in caproom. Offer Pasternak 12 million, he'd look real good playing the right size of Suzuki. Rent it out for another first?

 

[1909]

I think we just need to buy some time, maybe Matheson doesn't come back too early, and as good as they are looking I would send both Slaf and Xhekaj to the AHL while KH make make something happen.

Many LHD on the Habs line up can play both sides. Matheson, Edmundson, Harris, Xhekaj can do it. Let's play the six best, rookie or not.

 

[calder candidate]

Many LHD on the Habs line up can play both sides. Matheson, Edmundson, Harris, Xhekaj can do it. Let's play the six best, rookie or not.

Matheson Harris
Guhle Savard
Xhekaj Edmondson
Kovacevic

It is pretty easier for D the issues was more with all the FW… They solved part of the issue now by waiving Pitlick which I didn’t seem like the first option but it worked.

 

[Nhlpowerweek]

Is he playing ice hockey tomorrow or not?

 

[jrom]

The guy is from MTL, speaks french, has term on his contract, great skater, offensively minded, GM is his former agent and called him a 5 star human being after acquiring him last summer. Ok anything can happen but really ?

If we have to trade a veteran D Edmunson is the candidate.

 

[Nhlpowerweek]

Decisions loom for Canadiens' defence as Mike Matheson returns found it miself...... He returns tomorrow
Says the gazette

 

[Belial]

Honestly, I'm pretty excited to see him out there!

 

[26Mats]

The guy is from MTL, speaks french, has term on his contract, great skater, offensively minded, GM is his former agent and called him a 5 star human being after acquiring him last summer. Ok anything can happen but really ?

If we have to trade a veteran D Edmunson is the candidate.

True, I don't see Matheson moving.

But I like Hughes's buy low sell high approach. If Eddy isn't at a high value at the TDL and Matheson is sky high, he may choose to sell Matheson. While Matheson is young enough to be a part of the future, imo the priority should be getting 1sts and finishing as low in the standings as possible. Bedard, Fantelli, or Mishkov or whoever we draft top 10 would be an even bigger part of the future. So they have priority over Matheson.

But I think Matheson stays. And we'll see just how good he'll be in his role either way...

 

[Belial]

True, I don't see Matheson moving.

But I like Hughes's buy low sell high approach. If Eddy isn't at a high value at the TDL and Matheson is sky high, he may choose to sell Matheson. While Matheson is young enough to be a part of the future, imo the priority should be getting 1sts and finishing as low in the standings as possible. Bedard, Fantelli, or Mishkov or whoever we draft top 10 would be an even bigger part of the future. So they have priority over Matheson.

But I think Matheson stays. And we'll see just how good he'll be in his role either way...

Eddy is not that old either for a defenceman...

No way they trade Matheson, he's going to be here for the entire rebuild IMO.

 

[OldCraig71]

We traded Jeff Petry for a younger version of himself lol.

 

[26Mats]

We traded Jeff Petry for a younger version of himself lol.

Hughes doing Hughes things.

Can't wait to see what he does this TDL (though I know he may have to hold tight with non-UFAs).

 

[calder candidate]

He impressed me so much in preseason, I can’t wait to see what he will do also it coming at the right time because the rookie are showing starting to show some cracks.

 

[GrandBison]

Guys, we are not trading all our veteran defensemen. Rookies were fine for the first 15 games but Matheson is more than welcome right now.

 

[Tuggy]

Definitely a difference watching him out there.

Very good with the puck.

 

[JoelWarlord]

Rough game overall but you definitely saw some of his poise and skating/puck skills today. Excited to see what he brings.

 

[Beendair Donedat]

Thought he played very well for a first game back, after a significant lay off. His timing was off of course on some things, but he was all over the ice offensively and defensively, he scored a beautiful goal, blocked shots, moved the puck well and looks to be a terrific skater. Didn’t shy away from physical contact either and got a little chippy.

I think this will be looked at as a great move and pickup by GM Hughes in the not so distant future.

 

[Zilo44]

I’m growing on him. At first, I wanted Petry’s contract traded. When I saw Mike’s contract I thought we did not do much cap wise. In the end, he might just be a core piece moving forward

 

[HuGort]

I was really impressed with Matheson last night. He looked like first pairing material. Big, mobile with decent shot. I know it is small sample size but his play continues late into the season could open up option of trading one of our young D for a young #2 center. I am not sure which one yet. Where Matheson is locked up long term at reasonable caphit.

 

[ChesterNimitz]

I was really impressed with Matheson last night. He looked like first pairing material. Big, mobile with decent shot. I know it is small sample size but his play continues late into the season could open up option of trading one of our young D for a young #2 center. I am not sure which one yet. Where Matheson is locked up long term at reasonable caphit.

After the first initial shifts, which he needed to shake off the rust, Matheson became the go to defenceman for the Canadiens last night. He was a stabilizing presence on defence, played on the second power play and added an important element of mobility on the back end. Basically, and quickly, assumed the same important leadership role he did for the Penguins last year during their playoff run. As he gains game conditioning his role and importance will only grow. As one poster commented, with the emergence of Guhle and the return of Matheson, the team now has two mobile defencemen who can play effectively in 3 on 3 situations. Until yesterday, and for the past several seasons, it had been Petry and then pray during overtime. The acquisition of Matheson was a smart move talent wise, cost wise and age wise. Unless another team is prepared to pay a bounty, Matheson will and should be signed long term.

 

[McGuires Corndog]

I was really impressed with Matheson last night. He looked like first pairing material. Big, mobile with decent shot. I know it is small sample size but his play continues late into the season could open up option of trading one of our young D for a young #2 center. I am not sure which one yet. Where Matheson is locked up long term at reasonable caphit.

No rush to trade for a young #2C. We have Beck who is looking like a real possibility to land in that spot, not to mention Dubois seemingly wanting to come here