November 28, 2025
On Black Friday the Montreal Canadiens were in Las Vegas to face the Golden Knights. They were fresh off the news that Mike Matheson had signed a contract extension, and they were playing with confidence. The result was a 4-1 win.
Here are some noteworthies.
The GM was in action ahead of the players.
Late Friday morning the news broke that the Canadiens had signed Mike Matheson to a five-year contract extension with an average annual value of $6 million. The Habs might have preferred a year less, and Matheson likely could have gotten a million more in the summer. It was a fair deal for both.
There was no other option for Montreal.
Guhle is too often unavailable and Reinbacher is behind in his development. If those things were not the case, maybe the Habs would have let their veteran walk, or traded him for a piece they needed more. But the truth is they need Matheson.
Matheson is a top-pair defender alongside Noah Dobson. He’s a veteran who brings much needed maturity to the line-up. Number 8 has also proven he will do whatever is asked of him to help his team win.
Against Vegas, Matheson tallied an assist for his 15th point of the season. He had stolen the puck from Mitch Marner before making the breakout pass that led to the Jake Evans goal. Just another day at the office for Matheson.
Texier got an assist in his first game.
If we’re honest, he wasn’t exactly mind-blowing. He’s not expected to be. He was just claimed from the bargain bin. But he made himself useful in his first game, assisting with Matheson on the Evans goal. Good for him.
Sam Montembeault was excellent in the win.
The typically annoying Mark Stone ruined the shutout, but Monty had to be letting out a huge sigh of relief in the win. He needed this one and hopefully the confidence boost will enable the coach to play a reliable tandem.
We’re watching the maturation of Slafkovsky.
Slaf was a force against Vegas. He’s learning to use his size, and in my view he has always been an underrated playmaker. I was amused by his confidence taking a draw and his pass on the Bolduc goal was perfect.
Slaf deserved that empty netter, but not just for his play all night. He knew the importance of putting this game away and he was determined to make it happen.
The Habs are perfect thus far on a tough road trip. And that’s perfect.
Hab At Her 