Mike Matheson at the Center of Canadiens and Predators Rumored Trade Proposal
Despite the fact that Mike Matheson is under contract for a few more seasons with the Canadiens, his name has come up in trade rumors, linking him to Nashville.
Saying the Nashville Predators have gotten off on the wrong foot this season would indeed be sugarcoating it. With a record of 7-11-3, they're second last in the Central Division Standings.
Even that dismal beginning doesn't deter GM Barry Trotz from thinking about his Stanley Cup aspirations, though.
There were reports he was prepared to make some big moves, and one of the more intriguing rumors out there has the Predators connected to Montreal Canadiens defenseman Mike Matheson.
In theory, the Predators are moving prospect Zachary L'Heureux and a 2025 first-round pick they obtained in a trade with the Vegas Golden Knights to Montreal in exchange for Matheson.
- Zachary L'Heureux
- 2025 first-round pick (owned by Vegas)
To Nashville:
- Mike Matheson
It certainly seems steep upon first glance, but it's what it takes to get a top-pairing NHL defenseman across the league these days.
Matheson is an elite puck-moving D man, can play big minutes, and chips in some decent offence. While he's been a polarizing player for segments of the Canadiens' fans, his worth can't be rejected.
The Canadiens currently find themselves in the midst of a rebuild and have a very exciting young defenceman in Lane Hutson, who many project as the eventuated powerplay quarterback for the team.
Not because Matheson is not a great player, but rather because he becomes a reason the Canadiens could deal him seeing as they have Hutson who will take over.
It is worth noting that someone of Matheson's caliber would probably be valued for more than a single first-round pick.
The Montreal Canadiens received a first-rounder in return for Ben Chiarot, and Matheson is a considerably better player. The Predators would be getting a bonafide top-pairing offensive defenceman, a rare breed indeed.
It would make a ton of sense for Nashville to pursue Matheson, as they have the cap flexibility to take on his contract and the luxury of having three first-round picks in the 2025 draft.
Adding Matheson into their lineup would fill one of the massive needs on the blue line and perhaps help right the ship to get them back into the playoff race.
This is purely speculative at this point, and certainly not a done deal by any means. But again, it's one of those rumors that's at least worth paying attention to while the Predators look at options to try and rescue their season.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 25 | 93 ANSWERS Mike Matheson at the Center of Canadiens and Predators Rumored Trade Proposal Who would win this hypothetical trade? | ||
| Montreal | 46 | 49.5 % |
| Nashville | 47 | 50.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
