The Montreal Canadiens, in the midst of a significant rebuild, have made a bold move, acquiring a top defenseman as they continue to reshape their roster. The team has officially announced the acquisition of Mike Matheson, a key addition valued at $37 million, in a strategic trade with the Seattle Kraken.
In return, the Kraken receive promising forward Shane Wright, the fourth overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft. Wright, once regarded as the top prospect of his draft class, has faced challenges breaking into the NHL, with only 16 games played. A change of scenery in Montreal could reignite his development.
Trade Details:
- Canadiens receive: Mike Matheson (Top defenseman)
- Kraken receive: Shane Wright (Forward prospect)
This one-for-one swap benefits both teams. The Canadiens bolster their blue line with Matheson, a proven defenseman, while the Kraken strengthen their forward depth with a talented young player in Wright.
Matheson, who has two years remaining on an eight-year, $39 million contract, brings valuable experience and offensive prowess to Montreal. Last season, he recorded 11 goals and 51 assists for 62 points across 82 games, cementing himself as a top-tier defenseman. His addition will provide Montreal with much-needed stability on the back end.
Shane Wright’s Journey and Stare Down Incident
Shane Wright, originally expected to go first overall in the 2022 NHL Draft, was passed over by the Canadiens, who instead selected Juraj Slafkovsky. This led to Wright being picked fourth overall by Seattle. After being chosen by the Kraken, Wright appeared to give a memorable stare towards the Canadiens’ draft table.
Wright has since clarified that the infamous stare was unintentional. “I was just kind of looking at the cameras in front of me,” Wright explained in a 2022 interview. “There was no intent behind it. I wasn’t intentionally trying to stare anyone down.”
Despite this, Wright admitted that not being selected first overall left him with a chip on his shoulder, motivating him as he continues his NHL journey.
Canadiens’ Rebuild and Future Expectations
Montreal, coming off a challenging 2023-24 season where they finished with the fifth-worst record in the NHL, is aiming to bounce back. General Manager Kent Hughes has emphasized that the team’s focus has been on organic growth, re-signing key players, and making targeted trades like the one for Mike Matheson.
“I expect that we’ll be better than last year, especially if we can stay healthy,” Hughes said. He pointed out that the team’s young core, including Kirby Dach, should continue to improve as they gain experience and cohesion.
The Canadiens’ 2024-25 NHL season will kick off on October 9, with a highly anticipated home game against their rivals, the Toronto Maple Leafs.
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