The Montreal Canadiens may be making a shocking change to Mike Matheson’s role on defense — and it could have major implications for the Habs’ blue line this season. In this episode, Kosta outlines what this shift means for Matheson’s responsibilities, how it could impact the Canadiens’ defensive structure, and whether it’s the right move for the team’s long-term success.
As Montreal’s top puck-moving defenseman, Matheson has been a key part of the Habs’ transition game, quarterbacking the power play at times and driving offense from the back end. But could this new role limit his offensive freedom? Or will it make him a more complete two-way player? We’ll analyze how this adjustment affects his pairing, ice-time distribution, and the development of young defensemen on the roster.
We also explore what this means for the Canadiens’ rebuild, and whether head coach Martin St. Louis is sending a message about accountability and defensive discipline.
Join the conversation with fellow Montreal Canadiens fans, NHL fans, and hockey analysts as we break down every angle of this surprising development.
#GoHabsGo #MikeMatheson #MontrealCanadiens #NHL #Habs
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12 Comments
Coach, now go check Dobson's giveaway numbers!
I remain unconvinced. I still trust MSL and Hockey Canada’s acumen over yours. You said it best in this episode… KG
“Can Become”
They clearly are
“Not yet ‘ready for prime time’”
Jayden struble on the left side ….lane hutson on the right side was montreal's best regular season defense pairing last year ……..
LD Kaiden Guhle… RD Noah Dobson 23 minutes
LD Jayden struble RD lane hutson. 20 minutes
LD Arber xhekaj. RD alex carrier. 17 minutes
Mike Matheson Traded
Adam Engstrom. Ld call up
David reinbacher RD call up
Hey Kosta, do you mean flip the puck up and out?
Being a second pairing kinda hints at O-zone starts?
What would Matheson's value be on another/ competitive team if he's only a third pair guy in Montreal?
i would swap struble with a rhd with a team that has too many. theres got to be one or two out there.
3rd pairing is the only spot I’d like Matheson on if he stays
Can’t have 3 offensive D on top 3
And end up with 3LHD on top 4 by defect
Matheson – Carrier as a 3rd pairing is a luxury
But I would prefer grit there
Ghule – Dobson may not only be the #1 pairing on Montreal
They could be the second best all Canadian pairing in the NHL behind Makar – Towes and honestly if Ghule – Dobson can dominate and there are injuries to other Team Canada D… a legit consideration for Olympics as a pairing
Hutson – Reinbacher
Struble – Hutson
Xhekaj – Hutson.
All better options on 2nd pairing over
Matheson – Hutson
Hutson – Carrier
As they would be giving up too much physicality in D zone
I don’t like Hutson – Carrier mostly because of the size, nothing more, as do like Carrier who is the second best DEFENSEman behind Ghule
But a Xhekak – Carrier would be better on my opinion
I am not long for Matheson and can not wait to move on from him.
Matheson – Reinbacher !?
Mentor ?
Reinbacher has more defensive iQ in one pinky than Matheson in his whole body
Matheson is the worst DEFENSEman on this team
Carrier carried their pairing Defensively and paid the price physically
Savard did all the heavy lifting on PK when they paired together.
Nah
No long term fit for Mathy here
His Contract of 4.875 is one million more than
Xhekaj
Struble
Reinbacher
Added up together
And I would prefer a rotation of the 3 rather that see Matheson suck at both ends of the ice
The shocking change is he's moving to Center guys.
Matheson and Carrier are way too overated…
One. Reinbacher won't be starting the year with the Habs. He just won't. He won't see time with the Habs unless Matheson is traded, or there is an injury that requires his call up.
Two. Hutson and Carrier should not play the same pairing. Period. Full Stop. That is a pairing that is going to get pushed around, because they are both smaller guys.
If Matheson isn't traded before the season starts, your pairings will be:
Guhle Dobson
Matheson Hutson
Xhekaj Carrier
Should Matheson be traded because Reinbacher makes the team, then Hutson moves to the left on the 2nd pairing and Reinbacher on his right.