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Antoine Roussel says Mike Matheson could have landed $9 million per year
Photo credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
Let's be honest, Mike Matheson is having one heck of a start to the season. He is definitely Martin St-Louis' trusted man.
His average of 24:44 of ice time per game this season proves it clearly. Not to mention the experience factor, as he has essentially taken over David Savard's role as the veteran on defense.
For all these reasons, it would have been unfortunate to see him leave the organization at the end of the current campaign, as he was set to become an unrestricted free agent next summer before signing his well-known contract extension last week.
A massive contract was possible for Mike Matheson according to Antoine Roussel
According to former NHLer Antoine Roussel on a recent episode of the Sortie de zone podcast, Matheson could have gotten 9 million per year if he wanted.
He was even convinced that this was the contract that would be announced.
"I'm convinced that Mike Matheson is going to get $9 million dollars per year."
- Antoine Roussel
- Antoine Roussel
So we quickly realize that the contract he signed last week is quite a steal.
According to Roussel, his impact on the team, combined with the new parameters of recent NHL contracts, made him a player worth nearly $10 million per year.
Getting him for much less than that is excellent.
And knowing he will continue playing with Noah Dobson for several more years-Dobson relieving a massive amount of pressure from him-that number becomes even more reasonable.
The duo works extremely well together and the two defensemen complement each other perfectly.
It is true that Matheson began last season playing strong defensive hockey, but the Canadiens' new number 53 brings significant balance to the pairing.
Matheson, 31, has 15 points in 24 games, an impressive pace of 51 points this season.
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics
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