Even though we are still far from the NHL trade deadline, which is set for March 7 this season, some journalists have already started making lists of the players most likely to be traded.
This is the case for the renowned insider Chris Johnston, who works for the site The Athletic and took part in the exercise by revealing his list of 30 players who could potentially change teams.
However, as reported by the TVA Sports website, Montreal Canadiens fans are likely to be disappointed as there is only one player from the Canadiens listed by Johnston.
It is, however, a surprising name.
Indeed, it is defenseman Michael Matheson, who ranks 19th on the journalist's list. Johnston notes that the veteran defenseman is not a rental player, as he has one year remaining on his contract after this season.
Matheson will become a free agent after the 2025-2026 season, and due to the progress of young defensemen like Kaiden Guhle and especially a certain Lane Hutson, it's highly likely that number 8 will not be as indispensable at that time.
It is worth noting that New York Rangers forward Chris Kreider tops Johnston's list, as he has been part of numerous trade rumors amidst the turmoil within the Rangers organization.
We already knew that Christian Dvorak and David Savard were available for a trade, and now Mike Matheson can be added to that list.
POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 27 | 2282 ANSWERS Three Canadiens Players are Currently on the Trade Market, Including One Surprising Name Should Kent Hughes trade Mike Matheson this season? | ||
Yes | 1234 | 54.1 % |
No | 1048 | 45.9 % |
List of polls |