Habs' growing depth, continuity of young core leaves Matheson hopeful
As he embarks on his third season with the Canadiens, defenceman Mike Matheson believes this is the deepest group of players Montreal has had during his time here.
“That's what all the best teams have, a lot of depth,” Matheson, 30, said Monday before the team's annual golf tournament at Laval-sur-le-lac.
“It's a great problem to have when you're trying to figure out who can slot in where and there's internal competition for jobs and responsibilities. That's what creates difficult teams to play against. You have to worry about everybody on the ice. That takes a load off the top guys all the way through the lineup. It becomes a much more difficult team to handle.”
The Canadiens have missed the playoffs the last three seasons and, while management on Monday wasn't prepared to guarantee a berth in the playoffs, everyone associated with the organization has vowed the team will be “in the mix” — a phrase that was repeated ad infinitum — as the players prepare for their opening training camp session Wednesday morning.
If the team can remain healthy, combined with the addition of Patrik Laine in a trade from Columbus, Matheson believes the Canadiens can take the next step. But the Pointe-claire native understands actions speak louder than words. Matheson knows the team must be more competitive, while limiting long losing streaks.
Montreal lost five consecutive games — its longest skid — in February and also lost four straight on two other occasions.
“You're going to have lulls during the season,” said Matheson, who had 11 goals and 62 points in 82 games last season. “You're going to have lulls during each game. It's about minimizing those. If you look at the teams that are always at the top of the standings, even if they have a couple bad shifts, they reel it back in. Even if they have a couple bad games.
“It's a cliché, but good teams don't lose two in a row. That's a huge thing. You can't have those stretches during the season where you lose your identity in the way that you want to play.”
While Matheson wouldn't speculate where the team might be weak before it begins training camp — although admitting shortcomings will arise — he's enthused that the core group of young players have remained together while gaining experience.
Matheson also believes, after participating in recent non-mandatory practice sessions, the players have formed a bond.
“The young guys being three years older, that's a natural progression,” he said. “I think the core group has stayed here for a few years now and been given the responsibility of bringing the team to where we want to be. Looking at that cohesiveness is exciting.”
Along with improving an offence that struggled and a defence that must tighten, the Canadiens can't afford to lose 27 one-goal games — the most of any team — again this season. Incredibly, Montreal ended the season with four onegoal defeats. Win half of those and this club could be pushing for a playoff berth. That will occur only through hard work, according to Slovak winger Juraj Slafkovsky.
“It's about trying to outwork the opponent, even if they might have a better team on paper,” Slafkovsky said. “Show them who we are and how we want to play. Then we just need to score that one more goal.”
Slafkovsky will be counted on to produce much of that offence, playing on the Canadiens' top line with captain Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield.
Although only 20, Slafkovsky, selected first overall in 2022, appears primed to take the next step in his ascension after scoring 20 goals and 50 points in 82 games. And, although his new contract won't start until 2025-26, the Canadiens signed him in July to an eight-year, Us$60.8-million deal.
Slafkovsky, who is 6-foot-3, is still learning to use his size and become a dominant power forward. He played at 230 pounds last season but said he's closer to 222 now. He believes that will make him faster and stronger, but Slafkovsky refused to divulge any personal goals for the coming campaign.
“I played a full season, so I have a little bit more experience,” he said. “I'll do my best to take the next step and be even better. I have expectations for myself. The contract doesn't matter. It's just good that it's out of the way and I'll be here for a long time.”