October 20, 2025 | 4:38pm ET
TheFourthPeriod.com

MATHESON NEXT ON HABS TO-DO LIST?

Mike Matheson, defenceman

Having locked up rising star defenceman Lane Hutson to an eight-year contract extension and then getting EVP of Hockey Operations Jeff Gorton and GM Kent Hughes inked to new five-year extensions last week, the Montreal Canadiens may shift their focus to signing a veteran blueliner to a new deal of his own.

Mike Matheson is in the final season of an eight-year, $39 million contract and is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next summer.

The 31-year-old local product has enjoyed his time in Montreal and has acknowledged a desire to sign an extension with the Habs, and contract discussions are believed to be ongoing.

Le Journal de Montreal reported on Sunday that Matheson’s next deal could see him earn in the neighbourhood of $7 million per year.

Matheson is making a total of $6.5 million this season, $2 million of which was paid out as a signing bonus. He is a clearcut valuable asset on Montreal’s backend and contract talks may soon escalate now that Hutson has signed.

Meanwhile, talks between the Habs and winger Patrik Laine have not yet picked up, despite management having casual conversations over the off-season and in training camp.