LAS VEGAS — The Montreal Canadiens have signed defenceman Mike Matheson to a five-year, US$30-million contract extension.

The Canadiens made the announcement Friday in Las Vegas before a game against the Golden Knights.

Matheson's extension starts next season and runs through to 2030-31.

The 31-year-old from Pointe-Claire, Que., has four goals and 10 assists in 22 games this season with a plus-13 differential.

In his fourth season with the Canadiens, Matheson leads the team in average ice time at 24 minutes 50 seconds per game, which ranks 10th in the NHL.

The six-foot-two, 196-pound rearguard has transitioned from an offensive defenceman to a player who is matched up against opponent's top scorers.

Matheson was a first-round pick of the Florida Panthers in 2012. Montreal acquired hi

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