The New York Rangers have been shopping K'Andre Miller, and have garnered the interest of 12-15 NHL teams. In the event GM Chris Drury finalizes a trade with a team, they'll need to find a replacement in the top-pair, and it could be Mike Matheson of the Montreal Canadiens, a divisional competitor.![Mike Matheson]()
With the acquisition of defenseman Noah Dobson from the New York Islanders, the Montreal Canadiens look to trade a veteran.
Mike Matheson is about to hit the trade block after the team upgraded their left side with the former 70-point defenseman. This could be a significant turning point for the Rangers, who haven't finalized any deals with any team for RFA Miller just yet, but could.
«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 has been wearing the tricolore since the 2022-23 season after playing the majority of his career with the Florida Panthers.
Matheson 31, who would be a significant addition to the Rangers' blueline, is a two-way defenseman and, like Miller, can eat big minutes on the ice.
The Quebec-born defenseman scored 31 points this season (6-25) and played an average TOI of 25:05 in 2024-25.
His $4.875 million AAV contract expires at the end of the 2025-26 season and could be a rental for the Rangers, should he not live up to expectations.
Matheson is a journeyman who has played for the Pittsburgh Penguins, Montreal Canadiens, and Florida Panthers during his NHL career.
He was traded to the Montreal Canadiens on July 16th, 2022, in exchange for Ryan Poehling and Jeff Petry.
