(Laval) Mike Matheson gained ground on the ice last season. He’s now taking it off the ice.
The Quebec defender has been named assistant captain, Nick Suzuki, the team announced Monday morning. Brendan Gallagher retains the other deputy position.
“Martin [St-Louis] called me, he was excited for me,” Matheson said Monday during the Canadian’s golf tournament. “It was special to learn it from him. We have several guys who have been assistants on other National League teams, so I don’t take this honor lightly. »
In fact, Matheson did his teammates a favor by mentioning those who have been assistants elsewhere; according to Elite-Prospects data, only Sean Monahan – with the Flames – has worn a letter on the front of his jersey for another team.
On the other hand, David Savard, without ever having officially held the title of assistant before in the NHL, appeared to be the ideal candidate. He showed the way to the group of CH defenders from the first match last year with an inspired performance during which he notably blocked nine shots. In the absence of Joel Edmundson, who had been appointed assistant at the start of the season, Savard had established himself as the big brother within a very young defensive brigade, even though he happened to wear the “A” on an interim basis during the injuries to Edmundson and Gallagher.
Savard’s ascendancy remains very real despite everything. Suzuki named him among the players from whom he said he learned to behave as a leader. And CH head coach Martin St-Louis cited him among those who were consulted for the choice of the new assistant, a process which lasted “a few months”.
“I spoke to Suzy, Gally, Savvy [Suzuki, Gallagher, Savard], several players, noted St-Louis. Matheson represents the leadership side. He’s a guy who shows up every day, who is respected, who helps young people. He’s the one who plays the most. In the end, it was an easy decision. »
That said, Savard has a contract good for two more years. If Montreal ever finds itself, as many predict, left out of the playoff race at the trade deadline, the Maskoutain has the profile of a player who could earn Kent Hughes a few calls.
Matheson is three years younger than Savard, but above all, he has an agreement valid until 2026. If the idea was to offer Suzuki a little stability among his assistants, Matheson has more of the profile of a player who can anchor himself in Montreal in the long term.
“Everyone around him sees that he’s a guy who keeps a cool head,” noted Jeff Gorton, CH executive vice-president of hockey operations. “He’s been around a long time, our guys have tons of respect for him, so do we. Last year, he blossomed into his role. The way he behaves, the way he works on his game, we put it all together and it made a lot of sense to choose him. »
Last season, Gallagher and Edmundson were Suzuki’s assistants. Edmundson, however, was traded to the Washington Capitals this summer.
Matheson’s appointment was welcomed by his teammates, almost all of whom highlighted the jealous care he takes over his preparation and his body.
“We’re all really happy for him. The group has a lot of respect for him and that’s important, Gallagher believes. He is a very good professional, who takes care of his body. On the ice, he plays the most. Suzuki and I are strikers, so it’s good to have a voice at the other end of the bench as well. Young people can learn to become real professionals by observing it. »
Matheson begins his second season with the Habs. In 48 games last year, the 29-year-old scored 34 points, an NHL high. His average ice time, 24:27, was also a personal mark, and 11th overall in the NHL.
“All he has to do is continue his momentum from last year,” Suzuki added. He deserves his letter. He does everything well, he takes care of his body and he has a good impact on us. He’s a good teammate. »
Matheson also becomes the first Quebecer since Patrice Brisebois, in 2002-2003, to wear a letter permanently with the CH, according to Elite-Prospects. Savard and Phillip Danault did it here and there occasionally, when there were injuries.
