Montreal Canadiens reportedly set to sign Mike Matheson to a new multi-year extension

Big news! The Mike Matheson situation finally seems to be moving in Montreal.

According to insider Marco D'Amico, the talks between the defenseman and the Montreal Canadiens have "made progress" recently - an agreement could come sooner than expected, possibly today.

The Canadiens' situation is no longer the same as last year. Now that Lane Hutson has signed long term, the team can finally focus on the next major file: Mike Matheson.

Since he becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1, 2026, the negotiations have become urgent. Several sources indicate that the organization now considers him a priority.

At 31 years old, Mike Matheson often plays heavy minutes. His contract is worth 4.875 million per season, and since the start of the year, he has been one of the most used defensemen on the Canadiens, even as young left-shot players like Hutson, Noah Dobson, and Kaiden Guhle take on more and more responsibility.

That clearly shows that his experience and stability on defense remain very important for the team.

For the extension, the most realistic scenario would be a four- or five-year contract. Some also mention a slightly shorter deal, maybe three years, around 6 to 7 million per season. Whatever the structure, both sides seem ready to reach an agreement.

If the announcement comes out today, it would send a strong message from the Canadiens' management. By keeping Matheson, they show they want solid veterans to support the young defensemen. It would probably be one of the most significant moves of the fall.