Mike Matheson signs a long-term, big money deal with the Montreal Canadiens

This just in, the Montreal Canadiens have re-signed defenseman Mike Matheson to a five year contract extension worth $6 million per season.

The 31 year old blueliner is in his fourth season with the Canadiens and has played a pivotal role in the team turning the corner in their development. He ranks 1st on the team in average ice time, 7th overall in the entire NHL.

From the Canadiens' official press release announcement:

Montreal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes announced on Friday that the team has agreed to terms on a five-year, $30 million contract extension (2026-27 to 2030-31) with defenseman Mike Matheson. The deal will pay him an average annual salary of $6 million.

Matheson has recorded 14 points (4G, 10A) in 22 games with the Canadiens this season and carries a +13 differential. The 31-year-old defenseman leads the team in average ice time at 24:50 per game, ranking 10th in the NHL.

Since joining the Canadiens, the Pointe-Claire native has established numerous career highs, including assists (51), points (62), power play goals (5) and power play points (28) during the 2023-24 season. He also matched a personal best in goals (11) that year, previously set with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2021-22. Since arriving in Montreal prior to the 2022-23 campaign, Matheson ranks seventh in the NHL with an average ice time of 25:06.

Matheson, who is currently playing his fourth season with the Canadiens, was acquired from the Penguins on July 16, 2022.