There’s an Eastern Conference blueliner who could be a strong fit as a trade candidate for the Vancouver Canucks.
Mike Matheson from the Montreal Canadiens is a smooth skating option who could be a remedy to some of the Canucks’ issues.
It’s no secret the Canucks are after a defenceman. It’s already been reported management has canvassed the trade market looking for a blueliner and their recent form has made the glaring need even more obvious.
Could Matheson be the best option available? NHL insider Frank Seravalli seems to think so.
“The best fit might be Mike Matheson,” said Seravalli when asked his opinion on Halford & Brough this morning. “I don’t know if the Canucks see it that way, this is pure speculation and matching on my part. I don’t know if enough people recognize how good he’s been his last 100 games in the NHL.”
The 30-year-old has 13 points in 19 games so far this season and he’s played more than 24 minutes per night for the Montreal Canadiens. He recorded a massive 62 points last year, showing an impressive ability to move the puck and create offence.
While Matheson’s numbers would likely take a dip on the Canucks as he wouldn’t be on the top power-play unit, that playmaking ability is something the team is in dire need of at five-on-five.
The 6-foot-2 skater also has played both the left and right side in the past, making him a versatile option that could fill multiple spots. The Canucks could try him with either Carson Soucy or Tyler Myers to start.
His contract is worth $4.875 million per season and has one more year after this one. The Canucks are accruing cap space every day and could get close to fitting that number by the deadline. If they wanted to swing the deal earlier, they’d have to send some money the other way or ask the Canadiens to retain it.
With the salary cap expected to take a massive jump next year, fitting Matheson into the team’s future financial plans shouldn’t be an issue.
The acquisition cost is another hurdle the Canucks would need to consider. They’ve already been aggressive in trading away draft picks over the past few years, which has left them with a subpar prospect pool. However, the team’s window of contention is open now and thus moves must be made for short-term gain.
There is some ugly history between Matheson and the Canucks as he mauled a rookie Elias Pettersson back in 2018. The defenceman was suspended two games for the incident and Pettersson eventually got his revenge with a sweet overtime goal. That should all be in the past now.
OT HERO ELIAS PETTERSSON! pic.twitter.com/TLVFpwAd2c
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) December 6, 2022
As the losses pile up for the Canucks, the pressure to fix the team’s defence increases. Matheson offers an intriguing option who can move the puck and play both sides. While he’d no doubt be expensive to acquire, it may be worth it for a Canucks team with Stanley Cup aspirations.