Michael Matheson Scouting Reports

Sometimes players take time to settle in with new teams. It takes a year, sometimes more, to earn the trust of the organization and their coaching staff.
Matheson is on his third NHL team, and it happens to be his home town club in Montreal.
He's part of the leadership group of this young team.
Matheson has always been an elite skater. He's capable of leading the rush or joining as an extra layer offensively. Defensively he's quick to space. If he does get caught up ice he has the quickness to track back and catch the play / defend his zone.
Matheson isn't a perfect player, nobody is, but his impact his being felt throughout the Canadiens lineup.
He's producing offense and being deployed in all situations. He matches up against all of the top players from the opposition.
Consider these stats to start the season :
7GP - 2G-3A-5PTS (-1)
26:00 TOI - 17:01 ES - 4:31 PP - 4:27 PK
22 Shots on goal
6 Hits - 21 Shot blocks

Missed time with injury in (22/23) but had by far his most productive season overall when he was healthy - 48GP - 8G -26A - averaged 24:07 TOI and was deployed in all situations
An elite skater who can lead the breakout on his own from the defensive zone - Off the rush threat with a head of steam on offensive zone entries - On the PP he leans distributor more than shooter but he's capable of getting pucks on net from distance - A motion player who will pinch down to keep plays alive and can track back to catch opponents when he's late with an exit
Part of the leadership group in Montreal - Leans 2PD on most NHL teams but he's a 1PD for the Habs - gets himself into trouble when trying to do too much with the puck / beat a second opponent / not take the easy outlet - Competes - Sneaky physical at times - 53 hits and 80 shot blocks in the 48GP