Canadiens Management Missed Out on a Massive Return for Matheson by Waiting Too Long, Analyst Says
Many were disappointed last year when Kent Hughes decided to keep defenseman Mike Matheson at the trade deadline.
The veteran had the season of his life and could have brought a great return to the Canadiens, who were in the middle of their rebuild.
However, the Hughes-Gorton duo decided to keep him, much to the frustration of many.
After nearly 20 games into this new season, Mike Matheson is no longer producing at the same level as last year.
In the eyes of many, his value seems to be declining.
For this reason, Brian Wilde believes the Canadiens should have capitalized this summer, when his value was at its peak.
The Canadiens Should Have Traded Mike Matheson, According to Brian Wilde
Here's what he said during a recent episode of the Sick Podcast with Tony Marinaro:
That means you'll face frustrating years with your young players, but it's part of the process. You'll draft 3rd instead of 9th, and you'll add a better prospect to your pool.»
- Brian Wilde
It's true that Matheson won't be around when the Canadiens reach their peak. That said, rebuilding with only young players can be dangerous. They won't have guidance during difficult moments and could develop bad habits.
The contribution of a veteran like Matheson to the lineup is invaluable, in my opinion.
At the start of this season, with his 10 points in 16 games, Matheson is on pace for a 51-point campaign if he maintains this rhythm. While that's less than his 2023-2024 season (62 points), it's very respectable.
He still skates very well, and his role in the locker room is immense.
It would be worth assessing whether the defenseman's value is truly lower than it was at the last trade deadline.
In my opinion, several GMs would pay a high price to have him in their lineup during a playoff race.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but offloading veterans just because we're in a rebuild isn't the way to go. It will happen gradually as contracts expire.
The next to leave will likely be David Savard, along with Christian Dvorak and Joel Armia.
If I were Kent Hughes, I would wait until next year before trading Matheson.
I'm not even sure I would trade him at all and might even consider keeping him for a few more years.
But that's just my perspective!
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