Montreal Canadiens: Holding Onto Veterans For Too Long Could Haunt The Canadiens

Bringing In A Veteran Needs To Make Sense

I am all for having a veteran or two during the playoffs, I think we all are. 

But let’s be honest, the Canadiens still need some time to earn their right to be called a playoff team. Right now, the focus is on development, which comes from playing time - repetition will serve the youth best. It’s more important to develop and accumulate picks and assets to address the goal-scoring issue right now than to hold onto valuable trade commodities.

But when the time comes and the Habs are in their window, then Hughes should consider signing a player or two who are a bit seasoned compared to the Habs core. 

I think a great chess player shares many qualities with a general manager. If they’re a few steps ahead of their counterparts, the chance to win increases. Hughes learned from holding onto Anderson too long, which is why he moved Monahan in short order.

If moving Matheson is the difference between acquiring help for the top six. Or helping the Canadiens secure multiple picks in the top tier of the 2024 Draft, I can’t see how that gets ignored. The Habs' need is obvious, and they have the depth to make such a move with little consequence. 

Once a veteran’s value starts to drop, it’s hard for it to come back. Matheson is hot right now, it’s your move Kent.