The Montreal Canadiens and Detroit Red Wings are among the frontrunners for a young star in the NHL, hoping to help Patrik Laine and Patrick Kane, respectively. However, that interest is reportedly not going to account for much.
The Anaheim Ducks have yet to re-sign restricted free agent (RFA) Mason McTavish, and the wait only makes every NHL team grow more interested in the situation. Now, it seems many eyes are on Anaheim, as the 22-year-old remains without a contract.
On that note, the Red Wings and Canadiens have been pointed to as the top suitors should McTavish ever hit the market. That’s a long shot in itself, however. Now, reports suggest neither Laine nor Kane will be welcoming the former third-overall pick into their locker rooms. Instead, the Ducks appear set to put an end to the speculation—or at least pause it.
“I don’t think the Ducks will move McTavish. My best guess is that a bridge deal ultimately gets done,” insider Anthony Di Marco stated, via Daily Faceoff.
Patrick Kane #88 of the Detroit Red Wings skates against the Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena on March 18, 2025 in Washington, DC.
What is a bridge deal?
In the NHL, bridge deals are both a common sight as well as a recurring theme. However, many might not be completely familiar with them. In short, a bridge contract is one signed on short term (mostly two to three years) and handed to players coming out of their entry level contracts (ELC). It’s a rather formal way of kicking the can down the road.
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For a player, the benefit in a bridge deal is he gets to bet on himself. If his production under this extension increases, then he’s set for a bigger deal afterwards. Of course, if the move backfires, then he could be out of the organization altogether.
As for the NHL franchise, signing a young player to such an extension gives it time to make up its mind and gauge the talent’s true value. Worst-case scenario, he’s out of town after two or three years. Best case, the organization has found itself a cornerstone. Of course, the latter also means the check will only get heftier.
Mason McTavish #37 of the Anaheim Ducks looks on after losing 4-1 in a game at Honda Center on December 21, 2022 in Anaheim, California.
Contract years for both
The 2025-26 NHL season will be one where both Laine and Kane are put to the test, though on different scales. Curiously, it’s Laine who will face the most pressure, while the Habs won’t feel as much heat. Meanwhile, the Red Wings are almost obliged to make the postseason, but veteran Kane isn’t really under that kind of scrutiny.
SurveyWho will finish higher in the Atlantic Division standings?
Who will finish higher in the Atlantic Division standings?
Regardless, both talents will be entering the final year of their contracts. For Kane, it’s nothing new—he’s been in the exact same situation the past two seasons, now playing on his third straight one-year deal. On the other hand, Laine is in the final campaign of his six-year, $34.8 million contract. It might be now or never for the Finn, as the Habs may not be able to keep him around afterward.