The 2024 year was supposed to be different for the Montreal Canadiens. They believed their rebuild was starting to end, and they wondered whether 2024 would end with them looking ahead to a run at the playoffs in 2025. The year ended with a string of wins that elevated them to sixth place in the Atlantic Division, but they are still seven points behind in a playoff race. This series will examine how each player performed over the 2024 calendar year. Next up is polarizing defenseman Mike Matheson.
Matheson has been a controversial player for the Canadiens fanbase. He has been a good member of the organization that gets treated a bit unfairly compared to what his expectations should be. There hasn't been a good blue line core surrounding him since joining the Canadiens, and he has been given the responsibility of leading the group. In reality, Matheson shouldn't be a top-pairing defenseman on a contending team, which makes the expectations thrusted upon him by the fanbase unfair.
Matheson came to the Canadiens as a 30-point, depth defenseman. He wanted to take on a more significiant role with the Canadiens, which led to him joining the first powerplay unit and recording 34 points in 48 games in his first season. He added to those totals in 2023-24 when he had 62 points in 82 games, but everyone agreed there was something missing in his offensive game and he shouldn't be the offensive defenseman leading them forward.
Despite the critics, Matheson had a successful 2024 offensively. He has 52 points in 78 games during the calendar year, which shows that his point-per-game average is dropping from the 2023-24 season thanks to a limited role. The limited role came in the form of Lane Hutson, who is now quarterbacking the first powerplay unit and has stolen much of Matheson's offensive reps.
The unfortunate thing about Matheson's 2024 is that he won't be remembered for leading the blue line during the rough times. Instead, fans will remember him as a trade piece that didn't come to fruition, as his value has never been lower since joining the Canadiens. Many wanted Montreal to explore a trade this past offseason to get assets for him with his value at its highest, but that seems like a missed opportunity.
Mike Matheson's 2024 Highlights
Matheson's value was high, thanks to how he ended last season. He had a nine-game stretch where he recorded one goal and 13 assists towards the end of the 2023-24 season, but many weren't convinced it was sustainable. Matheson has shown glimpses of that offensive upside this season, but the underlying numbers that made people question the sustainability are starting to shine through.
First goal of the season for Mike Matheson! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/o8fLSySpxu
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) November 17, 2024
Matheson approaches the end of 2024 with just two assists in his last nine games despite playing over 24 minutes per game. He has fallen into more of a veteran minutes-eater role, which is the best the Canadiens can hope for, with Hutson stealing his offensive role.