Should the Montreal Canadiens cash in on Mike Matheson?

Mike Matheson has given the Montreal Canadiens' young defence core some much-needed veteran leadership this season. But amid his recent absence from the lineup, Lane Hutson has flourished.

Hutson was prominent in Wednesday's win in Columbus, notching an assist on Nick Suzuki's overtime winner and finishing with a plus-three rating. As Matheson's name circulates in trade rumours, and the Canadiens in full rebuild mode, Hutson's strong play of late raises a compelling question: Should the Canadiens consider trading Matheson to give Hutson more space to develop?

Give Hutson the keys to the power play

Hutson has looked as good as fans hoped he would early on in his rookie season. His offensive potential was clear during his time at Boston University, and his skills with the puck on his stick have swiftly transitioned to the NHL level. However, the area of his game that still needs developing is on the defensive side.

Shipping out Matheson before the deadline would give Hutson more responsibility, including leading the Canadiens' top power-play unit and logging top-pairing minutes. While he's shown flashes of being a future power-play quarterback, consistent opportunities as a top-pairing defenseman are key to unlocking his full potential.

I firmly believe in giving young players opportunities, especially on rebuilding teams. Mistakes are invaluable teachers, and since the Canadiens are in a phase where losses are acceptable, it's the perfect time to let the rookies take charge and learn through experience. Hutson should be given plenty of chances to thrive offensively, even if it means occasional defensive lapses. This stage of his career is when those mistakes are most valuable, but they should be balanced with the right support to avoid overwhelming the young star.

Is Matheson too valuable to trade?

Since acquiring Matheson from Pittsburgh in the summer of 2022, he has established himself as the Canadiens' best defenseman, and the team is in no rush to move him. However, it might be time for GM Kent Hughes to start fielding calls for the 30-year-old.

Matheson is an integral part of this defense core, and parting ways with a player of his calibre requires careful consideration. Trading away an alternate captain and a player of Matheson's skill level will certainly affect the results on the ice, especially if the return is primarily draft capital or prospects, not to mention the effect losing a respected leader will have inside the dressing room.

Matheson serves as a mentor to young players like Hutson and Kaiden Guhle, allowing them to grow without taking on too much responsibility too soon. For rebuilding teams, the risk of rushing key prospects is a genuine concern for management. Striking the right balance between providing ample opportunities and overwhelming them is a tight but manageable line to walk.

With the Canadiens in rebuild mode, hanging on to Matheson for too long does not make sense, knowing that management could get some solid return. With Matheson currently at the top of his game and teams likely seeking a veteran defenseman for a playoff push, his trade value may never be higher. If Matheson is to be moved, veteran defenseman David Savard would become even more critical to maintaining some leadership within the team. Both are incredibly valuable to this young team, and they will certainly attract interest from contenders before March’s trade deadline.

The Canadiens face a difficult decision: cash in on Matheson while his value is at its peak or retain him as a cornerstone of their transition period. Ultimately, the choice hinges on how management views his role in the team’s long-term plans. However, if the Canadiens receive an offer they can’t refuse, entrusting Lane Hutson with more responsibility might prove to be the correct decision after all.