Huge trade proposal involving Mike Matheson circulating with the Nashville Predators
The Montreal Canadiens' difficult start to the season, with a 5-9-2 record after 16 games, places the team at the bottom of the standings, tied for last place.
This situation could well push the administration to review its objectives for the season, thus changing modifying the management of its assets and future free agents.
If the Canadiens had been more competitive, the organization would have undoubtedly preferred to keep its veterans to play important games until the end of the season. But by finding itself among the last teams in the league, management may have to reconsider its strategy with certain players at the end of their contracts.
One file to watch is that of Mike Matheson, who will not be a free agent this summer, but at the end of next season.
Given his performances, he could ask for a higher contract extension than what the Canadiens can offer him, especially with the rise of young defense like Kaiden Guhle and Lane Hutson on the left flank.
It would be unrealistic to think that at 32, Matheson could get a five or six-year contract at around $6 million per year.
While we highly appreciate this Quebec defenseman, if management doesn't consider extending his contract, it would be wise to take advantage of his market value while it is high.
Mike Matheson to Nashville: a major trade proposal surfaces
A trade rumor is currently circulating, involving the Nashville Predators, who are reportedly showing interest in Matheson.
The Tennessee team, despite a complicated start to the season, still hopes to be competitive after the summer acquisitions of Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault and Brady Skjei. GM Barry Trotz has clearly indicated that he is ready to move to strengthen the team.
With three first-round picks in 2025 and several promising prospects, Nashville could offer an interesting counterpart, especially to add an offensive defenseman.
Aside from Roman Josi and Skjei, the Preds' blue line leaves something to be desired, and Trotz seems to want to fill this urgent need.
In this context, the speculated trade between Montreal and Nashville for Matheson is as follows:
- Young Zachary L'Heureux
- 2025 first-round pick (belonging to Vegas)
To Nashville:
- Mike Matheson
Kent Hughes could therefore obtain a player like Zachary L'Heureux, a young, fiery and robust 21-year-old forward, chosen in the first round in 2021.
Blessed with a physical style of play, L'Heureux could become a valuable addition to the Canadiens' third line, and could also help out on a top-6 as well.
He brings not only a fighting energy, but also an ability to produce offensively. Last season in the AHL, his first career, he scored 19 goals and 48 points in 68 games.
He added three goals and five points in four games this year before being recalled to the NHL, where he already has two points in eleven games playing on a fourth line with an average of 10 minutes of ice time.
With L'Heureux and a first-round pick, Hughes would have the opportunity to make a splash at the draft: either by moving up to select a better prospect or by trading the pick to get immediate help.
In my opinion, this would be an excellent trade for the Canadiens.
Source : NHL Trade Rumors
NHL Trade Rumor: Matheson to Predators for L'Heureux and 1st Round Pick?
| POLL | ||
Would you trade Mike Matheson for Zachary L'Heureux and a 2025 first-round pick? | ||
| Yes | 167 | 75.9 % |
| No | 53 | 24.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
