{"id":478705,"date":"2025-11-28T11:08:15","date_gmt":"2025-11-28T16:08:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=478705"},"modified":"2025-11-28T11:08:58","modified_gmt":"2025-11-28T16:08:58","slug":"montreal-canadiens-lock-up-a-key-veteran-presence","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/11\/28\/montreal-canadiens-lock-up-a-key-veteran-presence\/","title":{"rendered":"Montreal Canadiens Lock Up a Key Veteran Presence"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Montreal Canadiens<\/a> had some business to take care of on this Friday. Defenceman Mike Matheson<\/a> signed a five-year contract<\/a> extension to stay on with the club. The deal carries an average annual value of $6 million. In his time in Montreal, he has proven to be a valuable veteran asset. He’s been a good combination of providing steady <\/span>offensive contributions and being a mentor for the youngsters on the Habs blueline. Let’s figure it all out. <\/span><\/p>\n

Montreal Canadiens Mike Matheson Signs for 5 Years<\/span><\/h2>\n

He will now become a free agent in the summer of 2031. This really helps stabilize the Habs blueline for the next few years, at least.<\/span><\/p>\n

Matheson could be described as a bit of a late bloomer. However, you would have to further explain that as finally being given the opportunity. Then, when he was, he did well to take advantage. Right place, right time shall we say. Even his last year with the Florida Panthers, in 2019-20, he played well. Next, he went to the Pitrsburgh Penguins, and continued that upward progression. For example, in 2021-22 in Pittsburgh, he played 74 games, had 31 points, and was up to close to 19 minutes a game. <\/span><\/p>\n

After that campaign, came the move to Montreal. Since arriving dans la Belle Province<\/em>, he has been nothing short of exceptional. Now, he’s not really a top defenceman in the game, but he has been the perfect top-four guy. He has 141 points in 232 games, an excellent point-per-game rate. Remarkably, he’s actually over 25 minutes a game in ice time in those games. <\/span><\/p>\n

Last season, Matheson was instrumental with the development of Lane Hutson<\/a>. This year, he had been paired with Noah Dobson<\/a>. The pairing is a perfect complement to one another. Matheson brings the offence and veteran poise, while Dobson is an excellent all-around defender, featuring size, speed, and skill. <\/span><\/p>\n

Montreal showed they aren’t to be taken lightly with their playoff appearance last year. This year, that became the expectation. And Matheson is a big reason why. General manager wanted to reward him, and this contract has him set for a long time. This is a great deal for team and player. Now, Montreal can focus on getting back to playing winning hockey. After a hot start, they fell off, but this group, that is helped by Matheson’s leadership, looks to get back in the Eastern Conference Stanley Cup Playoff picture.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Habs make it official: $6M AAV https:\/\/t.co\/Xzl5FP3zGP<\/a><\/p>\n

— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) November 28, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n