Montreal Canadiens

St. Louis Slams Critics: Canadiens ‘Lucky’ to Have Mike Matheson

Montreal Canadiens Mike Matheson might be getting criticized from fans, but not from his team. What did Coach St. Louis say about Matheson?

by
Old Prof
January 28, 2025

Defensemen are supposed to defend their zone and their goalie. But sometimes, it seems, they need some defending as well. That was the case today when Montreal Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis was asked about Mike Matheson, his veteran defenceman. Matheson has snagged some criticism from fans. However, he gets none – at least in public – from his coach or teammates.

Team captain Nick Suzuki stepped to the plate before coach St. Louis went to bat for Matheson. He, too, pumped the tires of the veteran blueliner for his contributions to the team and its recent success.

St. Louis Is Clear: Canadiens Are Lucky Matheson’s on the Roster

Speaking about Matheson’s role, St. Louis made it clear that the Canadiens are fortunate to have a player of his caliber. “We’re lucky to have him,” St. Louis said. “He does so many good things on the ice that it’s easy for some people to overlook, but we know his value. He plays big minutes, covers a lot of ice, and always gives it his all.”

St. Louis also emphasized that the pressure of the market sometimes amplifies criticism. “The market’s the market,” he said. “People will always have opinions, but within our team, we know what Matheson brings. He’s not just a skilled player—he’s a guy who cares deeply about the team and the game. His work ethic and leadership speak volumes.”

Matheson has been a reliable presence on the Canadiens’ blue line. No, he isn’t the flashiest player on the ice. Still, his coach believes he brings value to the team every game. That’s also true off the ice, and St. Louis particularly pointed to Matheson’s locker room leadership.

To quote St. Louis: “I think Mike is a great example of what we want in our team. He does everything the right way. He’s a true pro. We’re all fortunate to have him as part of the Canadiens.”

In the Canadiens’ Future, Matheson Will Be Part of the Process

The Canadiens, who seem finally to be morphing into a solid playoff competitor, will need all hands on deck if the team is to make the jump into the postseason. St. Louis firmly believes Matheson will be part of that future. His steady presence and leadership are not taken for granted. A consistently reliable presence on the back end will be crucial to their long-term success. That’s Matheson in a nutshell.