Canadiens' Matheson Trade Continues to Look Smart
Montreal acquired Mike Matheson and a 2023 fourth-round pick from Pittsburgh in July 2022 for Jeff Petry and Ryan Poehling. The deal has aged well for the Canadiens, as Matheson became a trusted top-four defenseman while Petry and Poehling moved on to lesser roles. The fourth-round selection became prospect Bogdan Konyushkov, adding to Montreal's pipeline.
Montreal sent Jeff Petry and Ryan Poehling to Pittsburgh on July 16, 2022, receiving Mike Matheson plus a 2023 fourth-round choice. That pick developed into defenseman Bogdan Konyushkov, adding another prospect to Montreal’s system.
Petry lasted one Penguins season before another move; he later appeared in the Erik Karlsson three-team deal and was immediately sent by Montreal to Detroit for Gustav Lindstrom and a conditional fourth-rounder. Poehling also spent one year in Pittsburgh, then signed elsewhere and eventually settled into a depth role with Anaheim. Matheson, meanwhile, logged heavy minutes and earned Martin St. Louis’ trust.
This trade may matter most to Canadiens fans and Pittsburgh supporters because roster decisions shape team competitiveness and emotional attachment. Matheson’s steady role could strengthen Montreal’s on-ice product, while Petry’s and Poehling’s later moves may remind players and fans how quickly careers change. For local communities, a more competitive team can support game-day spending and civic pride, though the effect is likely modest and indirect.