When the Montreal Canadiens swapped Jeff Petry for a package including Pittsburgh Penguins defensemen Mike Matheson, it was a trade that benefitted both sides.
Matheson got to fulfill a childhood dream of playing for the team that he grew up admiring, and Petry was able to move closer to his family in the United States. Now with Joel Edmundson dealt to the Washington Capitals, Matheson and David Savard are the veterans on the blue line, and Matheson seems primed to wear an A on his sweater.
With such a young blueline forming, Matheson will have his opportunity to be a part of the Canadiens leadership group.
A Mentor For The Young Canadiens Defensemen
Matheson will sit firmly, for the time being, on the top pair left side. But given that the youth will be prone to mistakes, having a veteran like Matheson to guide and help the sophomore blueliners will be an asset. He is an all-situations defenseman, whose brilliant skating allows him to manipulate his way into the offensive zone.
He isn’t a prototypical defensive defenseman, but he provides leadership and some offensive tools that the young guys could benefit from. The smile was contagious the first time he pulled on the Canadiens sweater. And, I believe that a part of that was excitement about the youth in the organization that he can help realize their potential.
Matheson is still young enough that when the Canadiens are ready to contend he should still be around. At 29 years of age and with three more seasons on a contract that eats up a very manageable $4.875 million per season, he won’t be going anywhere anytime soon.
The chemistry, growth and familiarity with his teammates on the defensive side of the bench will prove beneficial for the team as a whole. He isn’t overly physical but stands up for his team and provides a steady veteran presence for the young core.
Matheson has been a welcomed addition, and the blue line is in good hands, because of his presence. The 2023-24 season will show how much of a leader he is and emphasize his importance to the Canadiens’ defence.
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