Mike Matheson nets winner for Canadiens
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The Montreal Canadiens are working on a new contract for defenseman Mike Matheson. He is in the last year of his eight-year, $39 million deal, and his current salary is $4.
The recent signings of Connor McDavid, Kirill Kaprizov, Jack Eichel and Kyle Connor thinned out the top talent in next summer's NHL free-agent market.
Zachary Bolduc opened the scoring with his fourth goal of the season in the first period, giving Montreal an early lead. The Flames drew even early in the third, but the Habs held firm until extra time where Ivan Demidov set up Matheson with a perfect feed for the game-winner.
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Lane Hutson, Juraj Slafkovsky and Jake Evans scored in the third period, helping the Montreal Canadiens beat the Buffalo Sabres 4-2.
Matheson’s performance and leadership make him a legitimate candidate for a contract extension, but it will depend on the term and salary remaining a bargain. With the NHL’s salary cap on the rise to $104 million in 2026-27 and to $113 million in 2027-28, it will likely depend on the cap percentage for his salary.
Since his arrival with the Canadiens, Mike Matheson has established himself as an offensive defenseman capable of playing long minutes in a game. This season, with the arrival of Noah Dobson, his role has been called upon to change.
Mike Matheson had a goal and an assist and the Montreal Canadiens spoiled Detroit’s season opener with a 5-1 victory over the Red Wings.
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