Hockey

Kaiden Guhle: Mike Matheson or not, he’s not for trade
Michaël Petit
Kaiden Guhle: Mike Matheson or not, he’s not for trade
Credit: Screenshot | YouTube

The big news of the day for the Montreal Canadiens is the contract extension for Mike Matheson. An excellent contract for both parties.

He brings stability and experience to a very young team, which the Habs need and will need in the years to come.

On the other hand, there will always be a hole to fill in the famous second-center position, even if Oliver Kapanen is currently doing a very good job.

There are certainly pieces of the roster that would make it possible to go after this second center, and Kaiden Guhle has already been part of the speculation. However, Matheson's contract extension also means that he has confidence in the group, so don't trade the big pieces of the club to go and get another big piece.

The fact that Matheson has extended his contract doesn't mean you should trade a guy like Guhle. Quite the opposite, in fact.

Guhle, though often injured, is extremely important to the Habs' defensive brigade. Don't throw in the towel for Guhle.

Matheson deliberately left money on the table to give himself the best chance of winning.

In the press briefing after today's game against the Vegas Golden Knights, Matheson spoke to the media about his upcoming contract.

Clearly, he wants to win in Montreal, and if the Habs trade guys like Guhle to fill a hole, the club would be in a bit of a bind.

“I didn't want to take all the money I could get. I knew there was enough for me.” – Mike Matheson

When a veteran like Matheson says he wants to win here, you have to do everything you can to improve the club. You can't stand still.

So that means either trusting the current club and hoping the youngsters within the organization develop. Or we can trade a few of these youngsters for reinforcements.

Martin St-Louis also spoke to the media after the meeting, at the end of the press briefing, and he's delighted that the Québécois has signed. He won't be a distraction anymore.

St-Louis knows better than anyone how important Matheson is to the team.

We saw in the third period against the Golden Knights just how useful Matheson is to his team.

He stole the puck from none other than Mitch Marner in the Habs zone to immediately jump-start the attack, which led to Jake Evans' goal, a very important one for the Habs.


Overtime

– Indeed, Slafkovsky had a very good game, and richly deserved it.

– According to Jeff Marek, the Red Wings should be on the lookout for Quinn Hughes.

– It won't be an easy task. Jesper Wallstedt is all fire these days.

– David Pagnotta also adds that the Canucks will want help immediately if Quinn Hughes is traded. Lucas Raymond could strongly be a big piece of the trade, if it ever comes to fruition.

– You read that right. Taylor Makar is Cale Makar's brother, and he plays for the Colorado Avalanche club-school.

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