The Stanley Cup Final is still fresh in memory, while October’s regular season opener feels far away. That can only mean one thing: every NHL team is keeping a close eye on the offseason. Especially with several franchises looking to earn their seat at the contenders’ table. On that note, the Montreal Canadiens may have plans for a former Florida Panthers talent and Sidney Crosby’s teammate on the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Buckle up, because the offseason mania has only just begun in the NHL. The Panthers may still be savoring the timeless flavor of back-to-back Stanley Cups, but the rest of the league is hungry to steal their crown. The Canadiens are a side that falls under that category.
Montreal has plenty of reasons to feel optimistic about its chances in the 2025–26 NHL season. This past campaign, the Canadiens posted a perfect 4–0 record against the Panthers, proving to be a thorn in Florida’s side. Crosby and the Penguins found little success against Florida, though they did manage to earn points in all three meetings—winning once in overtime and losing twice in shootouts.
Now, while the Cats aim to run it back in pursuit of a three-peat, the Habs and Pens are looking for fresh starts. Albeit in starkly different fashions. The Canadiens hope to build momentum, while the Penguins are embracing a full rebuild. On that note, Montreal is reportedly exploring its options regarding defenseman Mike Matheson.
Mike Matheson #8 of the Montreal Canadiens skates during the game at PPG PAINTS Arena on March 14, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
“Mike Matheson could be on the move, that’s another guy [Montreal is] looking at,” insider Frank Seravalli said on the Kevin Karius Show. “He can be part of this group and re-sign and if it’s not at a reasonable number, [the Habs] are moving him.”
see also
NHL News: Matthew Tkachuk, Sam Bennett’s former Panthers teammate announces retirement after 15-year career
Background check
A former first-round pick by the Panthers in the 2012 NHL entry Draft, Matheson found his best hockey late in his career in Quebec’s Metropolis. After five seasons with the Cats, Florida traded Matheson to Pittsburgh, where he played just two seasons alongside Crosby and company. Ultimately, the Pens shipped him to the Paris of North America, where the blueliner posted career-highs.
During his first year in Montreal in 2022, Matheson notched 34 points (8 goals and 26 assists), a personal best. However, he shattered that mark the following season with an impressive 62-point campaign, including 11 goals and a staggering 51 assists.
Decisions, decisions…
Matheson was unable to replicate those numbers this past season, recording 31 points (6 goals, 25 assists). The Canadiens might now prioritize getting younger, potentially at the expense of the 31-year-old blueliner.
SurveyWhere would you like to see Matheson next?
Where would you like to see Matheson next?
ALREADY VOTED 0 PEOPLE
The defenseman is entering a contract year, playing the final season of the eight-year, $39 million deal he signed in 2017 with the Panthers. Carrying an annual cap hit of $4.875 million, the Habs could look to part ways with the veteran, as he may have already shown his best colors in the City of Saints.
