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Revisiting the Canadiens’ Trade for Mike Matheson

When Kent Hughes took over as general manager of the Montreal Canadiens, one of his first objectives was to reshape an aging roster while adding players who fit the team’s…

By William Bourget · The Hockey Writers

Published: Wednesday, 21 October 2026 at 5:59 PM

Key Things to Know

The Hockey Writers argues Montreal won the 2022 Mike Matheson trade through excellent long-term asset management.
On July 16, 2022, Montreal acquired Matheson and a fourth-round pick from Pittsburgh for Jeff Petry and Ryan Poehling.
The writer notes Matheson remains a trusted, high-minute defenseman under Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis.

The Story in 60 Seconds

The Hockey Writers' William Bourget argues that Montreal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes won the July 2022 trade that acquired defenseman Mike Matheson from the Pittsburgh Penguins. Montreal received Matheson and a 2023 fourth-round pick—used to draft Bogdan Konyushkov—in exchange for Jeff Petry and Ryan Poehling, a deal that Bourget views as an example of excellent asset management.

According to the analysis, Matheson remains a vital top-four defenseman and veteran mentor under head coach Martin St. Louis. Meanwhile, Petry and Poehling quickly departed Pittsburgh, with Hughes effectively moving Petry before his market value declined.

Read the full article on The Hockey Writers

Revisiting the Canadiens’ Trade for Mike Matheson

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