Mike Matheson didn’t just sign a contract extension with the Montreal Canadiens - he doubled down on his belief in the team’s future. And in true modern fashion, he didn’t wait for a press conference to open up about it. Instead, the veteran defenseman made a surprise appearance on Spittin’ Chiclets, joining former NHLers Paul Bissonnette, Ryan Whitney, and Keith Yandle for a wide-ranging conversation that touched on everything from his new deal to the Canadiens’ biggest rivalries - and even Nick Suzuki’s Olympic outlook.
Let’s break down the key takeaways from Matheson’s candid conversation.
Why Matheson Chose to Stay in Montreal
Matheson’s new contract keeps him in Montreal through the 2030-31 season, and while he could’ve tested the open market next summer, he made it clear that this decision wasn’t just about dollars and cents.
Two things drove the extension: the chance to win and family stability.
Matheson believes the Canadiens are building something special - and soon. He sees a team on the rise, one capable of contending in the near future.
But just as important, he’s at a point in his life where staying close to home matters more than chasing every last dollar. With a young family and roots in the Montreal area, the decision to stay put was about more than hockey.
He also talked about the lessons he picked up during his time with the Penguins - specifically, what it really takes to win a Stanley Cup. Sacrifice.
And sometimes, that means taking a little less money to help build a roster deep enough to go the distance. It’s a mindset that starts with leadership and filters through the locker room.
We’ve already seen that in Montreal. Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield both signed long-term deals that, as the salary cap continues to rise, could turn into serious value contracts. Matheson’s extension fits that same mold - a veteran committing to the bigger picture.
Leafs or Bruins: Who’s the Bigger Rival?
It’s a question that’s fueled bar debates across Quebec and Ontario for generations: Who’s the Canadiens’ biggest rival - the Maple Leafs or the Bruins?
When the Chiclets crew tossed the question to Matheson, he didn’t take the bait with a hot take, but his answer offered some real insight.
He started by praising the atmosphere at the Bell Centre, which he said is electric no matter who’s in town. But when it’s the Leafs or Bruins? “It adds fuel to the fire.”
As for which team tops the rivalry chart, Matheson said it’s fluid. Some years, it’s Boston.
Other years, it’s Toronto. It depends on how the teams are playing and what kind of battles unfold during the season.
That tracks - rivalries in the NHL are often shaped by playoff series, bad blood, or rising stakes. And with the Leafs becoming more competitive in recent years, the scale may be tipping back in their direction.
Either way, when either of those teams comes to Montreal, it’s appointment viewing.
Nick Suzuki: Team Canada Material?
To close out the interview, Bissonnette asked a question that’s been buzzing around Canadian hockey circles: Should Nick Suzuki be on Team Canada’s 2026 Olympic roster?
Matheson didn’t hesitate - absolutely.
He pointed to Suzuki’s versatility as his calling card. Whether it’s center or wing, top-six or bottom-six, power play or penalty kill - Suzuki can do it all.
He’s the kind of player who can be slotted anywhere in a lineup and make it work. That kind of flexibility is gold in a short tournament like the Olympics, where roles can shift quickly and depth is everything.
But beyond the skill set, Matheson praised Suzuki’s mental makeup. Since being named captain at just 23, Suzuki has only elevated his game.
No signs of pressure, no drop-off in production - just steady improvement year over year. And this season, he’s on pace to raise the bar again.
It’s the kind of growth you want to see in a leader. And it’s the kind of player you want wearing the red and white on the world stage.
A Veteran Buying In
If there was one overarching theme from Matheson’s appearance, it’s this: belief. Belief in the Canadiens’ direction, belief in the young core, and belief that Montreal can be more than just a rebuilding team - they can be a contender.
He’s not just talking the talk, either. Signing long-term, embracing a leadership role, and buying into the team-first mentality - Matheson is backing up his words with action.
And if the Canadiens do take that next step in the coming years, don’t be surprised if Matheson’s name is right in the middle of it.