The Montreal Canadiens face a critical juncture in their summer roster construction. While their offensive core continues to produce at an elite level, depth remains their Achilles’ heel as playoff aspirations hang in the balance. The solution to their scoring woes might come from an unexpected source out west.
Why Is Mason McTavish the Perfect Fit for Montreal’s Center Depth?
The Canadiens have found success with their top offensive trio. Nick Suzuki (89 points), Cole Caufield (70 points), and Lane Hutson (66 points) have all delivered impressive campaigns, establishing themselves as the team’s primary offensive threats. However, with only three consistent options, they desperately need additional firepower to sustain a playoff push.
Enter Mason McTavish, the Anaheim Ducks center who has emerged as a potential target for Montreal. His 52 points across 76 regular-season games represent exactly the type of production the Canadiens need to bolster their forward depth. The connection between McTavish and the Habs has been brewing since the start of the offseason, with industry insiders taking notice of the potential pairing.
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Anthony Di Marco, a prominent NHL insider, shared his perspective on the developing situation during the latest edition of “The Daily Faceoff.” He highlighted McTavish as a trade candidate who particularly intrigues him, stating his curiosity about the young center’s future with the Ducks.
“I am not sure if he will move eventually, but I am very curious to see what happens with Mason McTavish with the Anaheim Ducks,” Di Marco explained during the show.
What Makes This Trade Scenario Complex for Both Teams?
McTavish’s contractual status adds layers of complexity to any potential deal. As a restricted free agent, his trade possibilities remain limited by league regulations. His current cap hit of $894,167 is set to increase, but still presents an attractive financial opportunity for Montreal. The Canadiens have been carefully managing their salary cap space throughout the summer.
The insider’s analysis reveals why Montreal stands out among potential suitors. Di Marco pointed to the Canadiens’ organizational needs, noting, “The first one that jumps is the Montreal Canadiens, who have a lot of questions down the middle beyond captain Nick Suzuki.”
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While Suzuki has maintained his high-level performance, secondary scoring from players like Patrik Laine (33 points) and Jake Evans (36 points) has fallen short of expectations.
Di Marco continued his assessment by acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding potential trade frameworks: “Not sure what a deal could look like, but the Canadiens are a club that I’d reckon would be keeping close tabs on McTavish’s availability.” The complexity stems from both McTavish’s restricted status and Anaheim’s evolving roster philosophy.
Despite the challenges, Di Marco believes McTavish would generate significant interest across the league if he became available. His reporting suggests multiple teams would pursue the young center should circumstances align.
“If there is an eventual path to McTavish being moved, you can be sure that there will be no shortage of teams waiting in line to inquire about his services,” Di Marco explained, highlighting the competitive landscape that would emerge around any potential trade discussions.
However, recent developments in Anaheim complicate the situation significantly. Di Marco addressed this reality directly: “After the trade of Trevor Zegras to the Philadelphia Flyers, I can’t imagine that McTavish doesn’t stay put in Anaheim.” Zegras’s departure fundamentally alters the Ducks’ organizational structure and long-term planning.
With Zegras no longer in the fold, Anaheim likely views McTavish as a cornerstone piece for their rebuilding efforts. This shift in philosophy makes any potential trade considerably more difficult to execute, as the Ducks may now consider the young center essential to their future success.
The timeline for resolution remains unclear, as both organizations continue evaluating their options throughout the remaining summer months. Montreal’s pursuit of additional scoring depth will likely continue through multiple avenues, while Anaheim weighs the value of building around McTavish versus maximizing return through a potential trade.
