EDMONTON | Finding common ground to retain Mike Matheson's services is next on Kent Hughes' pile.
With the way he's been playing, and given the recent signings of similarly priced defensemen, one would expect Matheson to sign a contract worth at least $7 million per season.
Obviously, the Canadiens general manager is not one to discuss negotiations publicly. However, listening to him speak during an interview he gave Magazinewe understand that he may try to persuade his veteran to remain reasonable in his demands. Like he apparently did to Lane Hutson recently.
“Mike wants to win. He was part of a rebuilding team with the Panthers. He came to Pittsburgh with a team that was at the end of its road.
Along with the Canadian, Matheson rejoined the rebuilding team. But this time it seems she is about to take it to the next level.
“I think he really wants to win,” Hughes repeated.
Improved version
The fire inside the 31-year-old defender burns so strongly that he has not hesitated to accept the new role he was given last year. A defensive role that he can fill very well due to his speed and athleticism.
Moreover, Hughes admitted that his former client ages like fine wine.
“Mike has always wanted to be the best version of himself. He puts so much into his career,” he said. He's taken on a leadership role on our team. He thinks about the team a lot. I don't know if that will help him play better, but it wouldn't surprise me. I know him pretty well.”
Indeed, the two men had known each other since Matheson's days in minor hockey. It was Hughes who was the defenseman's agent before taking the position of general manager of the Canadiens.
Could this long-standing relationship make negotiations difficult?
“Yes and no,” he replied. Some coaches and general managers become a little more distant from players they've known for a long time because it allows them to make better decisions.
“Personally, I don’t like this approach because it makes it seem like you’re fighting the player,” he added. I prefer to develop relationships.”
“Yes, you can make decisions that the player will not like. But at least – and this is the main thing – you will be honest with him.”
How much would a fair offer for Matheson cost? We'll have to wait to find out.
