When the Montreal Canadiens and Penguins swapped defensemen, all that was known was Jeff Petry, who reportedly wanted to head to the USA with his wife and kids.
On the other end of the trade, Mike Matheson is Quebec born and raised and is very familiar with Kent Hughes, so it was a great fit. Like most Quebec-born players, pulling on the famous Canadiens sweater would be a dream come true, and that was the case for Matheson.
Both guys are mobile and big, and they can contribute to the offence when needed. Petry had been a support pillar for the Canadiens’ second pair, behind Shea Weber, and filled in for him when injuries occurred. Matheson was a powerplay quarterback and a great transitional player for the Penguins.
Matheson showed Habs fans what he was all about during his first campaign with the Canadiens, and was a great mentor to the Habs young blueliners. Often manning the top powerplay, and creating zone entries all by himself, it’s safe to say that Hughes was gleaming about Matheson. He suited up for 48 games, and he managed his best point production, and assist totals of his career tallying 8-26-34 totals.
Matheson’s Potential For 2023-24
I think it’s to assume that Matheson will once again anchor the Habs’ top pair, and with that role, he will get the lion’s share of minutes at 5-on-5, and likely top powerplay duties. The big question mark heading into camp will likely be who his defensive partner will be, and at this moment I don’t feel there is a righty that could slot in on the top pair. Enter Kaiden Guhle, and I believe is the only player game enough to eat up those minutes, so it will be an interesting situation to watch unfold.
While a partner is certainly important, I think that Matheson has such beautiful skating, and a great mind for offense that he will be effective, regardless of who he plays with. It would be best for everybody, however, if Matheson could play an entire healthy season. Should he do that, I don’t see why he can’t produce 10-15 goals and 35-40 assists, his vision is underrated, and allows him to execute difficult plays on a regular basis.
Matheson will have a healthy offence to work with, and some young, skilled guys vying for a spot, which will allow him to set up a ton of chances. A clean slate, a healthy lineup and low expectations, will be the perfect formula for the Canadiens, and Matheson to surprise some people. Habs management won’t be surprised at all, though; as they knew what Matheson brought to the organization when they made the trade call.
2023 could be the year where Matheson takes his game to another level, and it will only benefit the Canadiens and their rebuild.
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