When Kent Hughes was looking to trade disgruntled defenseman Jeff Petry, the whole league knew the blueliner had requested a trade and it was feared the GM wouldn't be able to get fair value in the deal, but he did and then some.

When Montreal Canadiens GM Kent Hughes acquired Mike Matheson in the deal that sent Jeff Petry to Pittsburgh, the Pointe-Claire native had never gathered more that 31 points in a season. In his first season in town he battled injuries and was limited to just 48 games, yet, he still set a new career-high in points with 34. 

Last Season

Without being caused anymore trouble by the injury ninja last season, Matheson took part in all 82 contests and set a new personal best with 62 points (11 goals and 51 assists). Twenty-eight of those points came with the man-advantage (five goals and 23 assists), meaning that he produced 34 points at even-strength.

An Important Role

On top of playing an important part on the ice this upcoming season, Matheson may well have to play the role of big brother to offensive defenseman prospect Lane Hutson. Should the young man make the team, he could learn a lot from the 30-year-old and the veteran presence could also ease the pressure on the rookie blueliner. 

For now at least, the spot on the first power play unit should remain Matheson's and he's likely to make very good use of it considering the offensive reinforcement the unit will be getting with Dach's return and Patrik Laine's acquisition.

Here to Stay... For Now

While some will tell you Hughes should trade him now while his value is high, there's something to be said about keeping a veteran presence around for this young defensive corps. Matheson still has two years to go on his contract while fellow veteran David Savard's contract will expire at the end of this season, making him the odds on favorite to be traded at the upcoming trade deadline. 

Furthermore, Matheson is far from showing signs of regression. Quite the opposite as he is still improving. His value should hold quite well, making him a hot commodity at the 2026 trade deadline, if it's the avenue Hughes decides to take. There's also a possibility that by next season, the team has made some progress and the GM decides he's not a seller anymore at the deadline. 

Fear not though, should that scenario come to be, I fully expect the man in charge to manage to sign Matheson to a short term extension, not letting him walk away for nothing. Of course, there's enough depth on D to make the Quebecer expendable soon, but if the team manages to stay in the mix for a playoff spot in 2026 and the GM trades away a top-pairing guy, it doesn't exactly send the right message to his team. 

More Points?

Will Matheson produce even more this season? It's hard to say. Hughes certainly got some reinforcement but he might get less ice time as the rest of the defense corps keeps maturing and improving. Furthermore everything went well for him last season, he played every single game of the campaign, the only time he has managed to do so in nine years of NHL action. 

Best case scenario, Matheson gets a bit less ice-time because the supporting cast is eager to get a starring role and the blueliner still manages to maintain his offensive output. 

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Karine Hains from The Hockey News and Marko Larabie from Hockey Nation Live Show discuss the Laine trade.