Canadiens notebook: Latest buzz around Matheson, Bolduc and Xhekaj

MONTREAL — You know 2026 off-season fatigue has hit its peak when a potential 2029 expansion draft has already dominated over a week’s worth of chatter. Not to keep that yarn rolling when it’s already unraveling at terminal velocity, but since Montreal Canadiens blogs and podcasts have been pumping out probable protection lists like the expansion draft is happening next week, let’s start here: Mike Matheson won’t be exempt — and not just when the defenceman’s no-movement clause turns into a partial no-trade clause three summers from now. Should the National Hockey League’s 33rd team come into existence even sooner…