A voice of reason and clarity in the Matheson ‘debate.’
Imagine if the Leafs would have been wise enough to have offered us something 'we couldn’t have refused' for Matheson to bolster their now failed playoff run. Matheson may have been enough to push the Leafs past the Bruins and deep into the playoffs. More importantly, he would have addressed the Leafs' greatest weakness, lack of mobility in their defensive core and have provided Toronto with a cost effective means of supporting a rapidly closing window for their core four players next year. It may have even saved Keefe's job.
As I have often stated here, you trade the type of dynamic skating that Matheson offers at your franchise's great peril. So it would take a considerable offer for me to even consider trading this vastly under appreciated player.
That "nice LD" may even be secured at 5 OA in this year's draft.
100% agree. Lots of fans want to move Matheson but I see it in reverse. Let other teams call us and tell them, it has to be pry away value.
Matheson is underrated due to where he was rated. Remember when Petry went through this? He matured and became a very good D (with and without Weber) and many fans were in denial. Some fans will say Petry is a great example and for that reason, trade Matheson before his value drops. Sure, but we don't know the point where Matheson drops off.
We got time to sort this out but the main point here is don't be surprised if Matheson stays till he is age 35. I can see it both ways... He stays because we need him or we trade him because we are offered something we can't refuse.
A PP QB like this is rare to find. His skating and creativity is off the charts. Teams will probably try to acquire for late 1st and B+ prospects and we tell them to try again.
