Massive Trade Proposal Emerges for Mike Matheson to a Divisional Rival: Could Kent Hughes Turn Down This Offer?

Pierre LeBrun, a prominent hockey journalist, recently shared insights suggesting the Canadiens have no plans to trade Savard unless an exceptionally appealing proposal is presented.

LeBrun also touched upon Mike Matheson's situation on BPM Sports, indicating that the team is not actively shopping him around but will consider serious offers.

The Tampa Bay Lightning, in particular, might have a vested interest in Matheson after losing Mikhail Sergachev, especially given their newfound salary cap space of $8.5M by season's end.

LeBrun's comments suggest that acquiring Matheson won't be easy for Tampa, given their limited draft picks and thin prospect pool. The [DLC] website proposed a trade involving the 2026 first-round pick and Ethan Gauthier, though it seems unlikely Tampa would agree to trade their 37th pick from the recent draft.

Furthermore, with Matheson's contract averaging $4.875M annually for two more years, and Sergachev due back on the ice with an $8.5M contract, Tampa's GM will need to carefully assess the financial implications, considering the expected salary cap increase.

The situation remains fluid, and as the trade deadline approaches, other teams could also express interest in the Canadiens' defensemen. A scenario reminiscent of the 2022 Artturi Lehkonen trade could unfold if a suitable offer entices Kent Hughes.