The Canadiens Should Not Trade Mike Matheson or Patrik Laine... Well, At Least Not Yet

There’s been a lot of noise within the Canadiens fanbase lately about trading Mike Matheson and Patrik Laine. I get it; they both are probably not going to be in Montreal for the long haul, as both Laine and Matheson are heading into contract years. But I want to make a case for why I would keep the two of them on the team to at least begin the season.

Let's start with Laine.

Yes, I know. The second half of his season and the playoffs weren’t great. Laine was inconsistent and, frankly, borderline unplayable at times at 5-on-5. But I do think the context matters.

Laine played only 18 games in the 2023-24 season (his final with the Blue Jackets), and then coming into this past season, he suffered a severe leg injury that knocked him out for an extended period of time. At the time of the injury, there was even legitimate concern he might not suit up at all during the 2024-25 campaign. However, he did the rehab, and when he made his Habs debut in December, I think he lit a spark. The team went on a run shortly after he was inserted back into the lineup, and I don’t think that was just a coincidence. No, he wasn’t the only reason the Canadiens made a playoff push—but his presence clearly gave the roster a much-needed jolt.

Now heading into a contract year, Laine has every reason to prove himself. If he stays healthy, I could absolutely see him scoring 30–35 goals; hell, maybe even 40 goals. This could very well be his last shot at one last big payday, and I’d rather see him channel that urgency into production than trade him away now for a mid-to-late draft pick just to save cap space. At the very least, he remains a dangerous power-play weapon.

On to Matheson.

With David Savard retiring, Mike Matheson is now the veteran of this mostly young Habs defence corps. He’s a leader in the room—something you need when your blue line features guys like Lane Hutson, Kaiden Guhle, David Reinbacher, and now Noah Dobson.

Let’s not forget, Matheson is just one season removed from putting up over 60 points in the 2023-24 season. Will he hit that number again? Probably not. But his role will be diminished this season—in a good way. With so many capable young defensemen stepping up, he won’t have to carry the same weight. For him, I totally expect the less ice time to lead to more great efforts on the ice and way more consistency compared to the 2024-25 season, where he often looked like a liability out there.

Like Laine, he’s in a contract year. That could be just the motivation he needs to play some of his best hockey. And just like with Laine, if teams sense the Canadiens are trying to dump him for cap reasons, you’re not going to get fair value in return. So what’s the point?

Trading both Laine and Matheson now would feel like a pure salary dump. And that’s not the message this organization should be sending. The Canadiens are trying to build something—not just with talent, but with culture. Keeping both of these guys around, at least to start the season, helps establish that.

Could things change at the deadline? Absolutely. Just because I believe the Canadiens will be a better team next season doesn't exactly mean I think they are a lock for the playoffs. If by the trade deadline things aren't looking great, then by all means, flip them for assets. But going into the year, keeping Laine and Matheson is the move.

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