Hockey

Mike Matheson: Jeff Gorton talks like someone who (really) wants to keep him
Félix Forget
Mike Matheson: Jeff Gorton talks like someone who (really) wants to keep him
Credit: Getty Images

Last night, we learned from Pierre LeBrun that the Habs have a new priority: to try to reach an agreement with Mike Matheson to keep him in town beyond the current season. With the contracts of Lane Hutson, Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton all settled, Matheson is next on the list –although, in reality, his case will be more complex than the others.Matheson, after all, will be 32 in a few months' time, and his next contract should represent his last chance to break the bank. And given that the Habs have good young defensemen on the rise and have instituted a culture of signing in town at a discount, it could be complicated to find common ground with the veteran. But even so, when you listen to Jeff Gorton speak, you hear an executive who clearly would like to keep Matheson in town:

He's an example of what we're trying to build. […] We hold Mike [Matheson] in very high regard.

–

Jeff Gorton

https://www.youtube.com/live/DjXQKXUBKF0?si=t8Q17yfPG6EJkK23&t=469

Gorton, who didn't stick his neck out too much when the time came to talk about the possibility of Matheson signing before reaching the market (because it wouldn' t be as much fun to give all the answers, hehe), nevertheless clearly praised everything Matheson brings to his club. The defender has taken on every role he's been assigned since arriving in town, and he's found a way to stand out in each of them.He's not perfect, no one's saying otherwise. But we're still talking about a player who, with each passing year, has taken on an increasingly defensive role without ever complaining.Sowe‘ll have to see if Matheson, like his bosses, ends up signing an extension. And on that subject, Gorton confirmed that he has never considered leaving Montreal, andeven hopes to still be in town when his five-year contract expires next year. He's really, really attached to the Canadiens… and he must hope Matheson is too, which would make negotiations to keep him in town easier.

'Overtime'

– Speaking of Matheson.

– Obviously.

– Pheonix Copley is back in Los Angeles.

– Great Tony, hehe.

– JO 2026 : Gary Bettman is worried about the arenas, which are being built slower than expected.

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