Canadiens extend Matheson on 5-year, $30M deal

The Montreal Canadiens have signed defenseman Mike Matheson to a five-year extension carrying an annual cap hit of $6 million, the team announced.

Matheson's new terms kick in ahead of next season and run through 2030-31.

The 31-year-old was in the final season of an eight-year contract with a $4.88-million AAV. He was slated to become an unrestricted free agent next summer.

Matheson has recorded four goals and 14 points in 22 games this season, averaging 24:50 of ice time. He's scored 78 goals and tallied 279 points in 649 career games across 11 seasons with the Canadiens, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Florida Panthers.

Montreal acquired Matheson from the Penguins in 2022 in exchange for defenseman Jeff Petry and forward Ryan Poehling.