4 Teams Emerge as Trade Candidates for Mike Matheson

This season has been a struggle for the Montreal Canadiens, and while the belief before the season was that they could push for the Stanley Cup Playoffs this year, their 7-11-2 record hasn't indicated that will be the case.

Now, they are likely pivoting to selling and taking on bad contracts for future assets once more, with several names becoming candidates to be moved by General Manager Kent Hughes.

One such name is defenseman Mike Matheson, who is off to another steady start this season, with 1 goal and 13 points through 20 games once more proving that he's as solid a veteran as there is in the NHL.

Last season, the 30-year old tallied a career high in goals (11), assists (51) and points (62), and now, it appears as though he could fetch the Canadiens some future assets ahead of the deadline.

Now, there are teams emerging as potential suitors, the first of whom is the Edmonton Oilers, who are desperate to fill a role on their blue line, and with Matheson's experience and his puck moving abilities, he could be the perfect fit.

Next up is the Florida Panthers, who lost Oliver Ekman-Larsson this past summer to free agency, and with the team potentially moving on from Aaron Ekblad this summer, and experienced veteran to lead this new group could go a long way.

Then comes the Nashville Predators, who have moved on from Dante Fabbro this season, and if the team can turn things around and go all-in for a playoff push, Matheson will be much cheaper than other options out there.

Finally the Ottawa Senators, who have made young center Josh Norris available to target an upgrade on the blue line, and after moving on from Jakob Chychrun this summer, filling that spot with a consistent veteran could help their Stanley Cup Playoffs push.

Ultimately, it's only a matter of time until Montreal move on from Mike Matheson, and with these four teams expected to have company, the Canadiens could get a much better than expected return for him.