The Montreal Canadiens are open to trading a star defenseman after acquiring Noah Dobson, according to one insider.
The Canadiens made a blockbuster sign-and-trade to acquire Dobson from the New York Islanders. After making the trade, Montreal may look to trade defenseman Mike Matheson.
NHL insider Marco D’Amico of RG.com reports that the Edmonton Oilers have expressed interest in trading for Matheson.
“The Edmonton Oilers have made it known they want to upgrade their defense. Sources confirmed they’ve expressed interest in Canadiens defenseman Mike Matheson,” D’Amico wrote. “The Oilers are said to value Matheson’s mobility and ability to carry the puck out of the defensive zone. Qualities they feel could complement their high-octane offense led by Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Matheson’s name is one to watch as Edmonton looks to solidify its back end.”
Matheson is entering the final year of his eight-year, $39 million deal. With the addition of Dobson, his role on the Canadiens’ blue line isn’t as prominent, so Montreal may look to get some assets back for him.
Matheson, 31, is from Quebec and skated in 80 games, recording 6 goals and 25 assists for 31 points. He had 1 assist in 5 playoff games with the Canadiens.
Canadiens GM Praises Dobson
Montreal made the bold move to acquire Dobson from the Islanders, and he signed an eight-year extension.
Dobson’s deal was under $10 million per season, which was a bit of a surprise. Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes praised the defenseman for taking less to help the team be more competitive and compete for a Stanley Cup.
“It’s great that he was willing to do that,” Hughes said on June 27. “I think speaking with Noah and his representatives, it was really important that we showed strides this year in terms of where the team was going. And I guess, looking at the roster and believing in what we have and what we can put together, that was important for him to be able to be on a team where he felt like he could win and he could grow with the team.”
Dobson skated in 71 games, recording 10 goals and 29 assists for 39 points. The year prior, he had 10 goals and 60 assists for 70 points in 79 games.
Canadiens GM Looking to Improve Roster
Montreal made the playoffs last season and was the youngest team to do so.
Now, heading into the offseason, Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes says he’s looking to improve the roster through trades and free agency.
“I think we’re going to continue to look at whether we have opportunities to improve our team up front via trade,” Hughes said. “If not, is there something in the free-agent market that could make sense for us? But I can’t tell you today that I feel with some crazy degree of certainty that we’re going to accomplish it, but we’re going to try.”
Dobson was the first step, as Hughes says, having multiple good puck-moving defenseman is key to success.
“When the puzzle’s complete, we’re going to have more puck movers to move through our lineup.”
Montreal likely will be quiet this offseason after adding Dobson.
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