SUNRISE | “I didn't even know. But that's a lot of games. However, I think I still have a lot left.”
After a practice at IceDen in Coral Springs, the Florida Panthers' training facility, Mike Matheson shared this knee-jerk reaction when asked to describe the symbolism of playing a 500e Play in the NHL.
Matheson will reach that plateau Saturday night at Amerant Bank Arena against his former team, the Panthers.
“It's still strange playing my 500e Game against the Panthers, said the 29-year-old defender. It's like things have come full circle. When you're young and starting in the NHL, you tell yourself there's still a long way to go. But I will do it in my next game and I still have a few more games in my body.”
Of his 499 games to date, Matheson has played 299 in a Panthers jersey. In 2012, he was drafted by the Panthers in the first round, 22nd overalle Overall selection.
In Florida, Matheson experienced good times, but also darker times.
“I learned a lot in Florida, but there were some really difficult seasons,” he admitted. Still, I wouldn't change a thing. This allowed me to become the player I am today. I am also grateful for the role that I am given now. I play big minutes and know that I can quickly forget a bad presence.
Many thanks to Dale Tallon and Kent Hughes
When he looks back on his first few seasons in the NHL, Matheson can't help but look to those who helped him. Dale Tallon, the Panthers' former general manager, and Kent Hughes, his former agent, were among those who kept him on the right path.
“I have a lot to thank Dale for. He was the one who drafted me and gave me my first NHL game. He has done several things for me. There were several times when I found it difficult. We had difficult conversations, but he always had what was best for me. I would also like to thank my former teammates at the Panthers. I had mental problems and looked at my teammates. Kent also helped me a lot. I spent a lot of time on the phone with him and drew on his experiences.”
The right chair
Traded from the Panthers to the Penguins in September 2020 and from the Penguins to the Canadiens in July 2022, Matheson has reached a new level in his third team in the NHL. In Montreal he established himself as one of the good defenders on the circuit.
Photo credit: Joël Lemay / QMI Agency
On the eve of the game against the Panthers, Matheson had already collected 25 points (6 goals, 19 assists) in 34 games. He is among the top 15 NHL defensemen in points, but also in the top ten in playing time (25 min. 20 sec.).
“He sits in a chair where he is given great responsibility,” said Martin St-Louis. He didn't have this chair before. It was an adaptation for him too.
“Mike has the ability to control a game on both ends of the ice,” St-Louis continued. What I like about him is that he always looks for the balance between attack and restraint. This balance remains a gray area.”
Although he knew he had the potential to become a good defender, the Montrealer sometimes doubted him.
“There were times when I thought it wasn’t going to happen,” he admitted. I knew I wanted to become a better defender, but I was afraid I wouldn't be able to do that. I never stopped working.”
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