While the Montreal Canadiens haven’t lost hope of acquiring Anaheim Ducks’ Mason McTavish, the odds aren’t looking great. Meanwhile, Auston Matthews and the Toronto Maple Leafs may seem distracted by other matters but could act in the blink of an eye. However, reports now suggest there’s a way the Habs could turn the tide and land a big addition for Patrik Laine and company.
The NHL has entered its dog days of the summer. But it could all start to heat up in the near future. All it needs is a little push, and the situation brewing in Anaheim might be the perfect opportunity.
The Ducks have made it clear they won’t trade McTavish and the player has expressed his desire to stay in town in the past. Still, crazier things have happened before. Plus, when organizations like the Habs and Leafs are involved, it can always take an unexpected turn.
Both sides would love to add a talent like McTavish. Matthews and the Maple Leafs have an urgent need to acquire a top-six talent, and the former 3rd overall pick in 2021 might be just what the doctor ordered. Still, Laine and the Canadiens might make more sense. According to reports, there’s one way Montreal could go all in for McTavish. Call it risky, but it’s the kind of move that it takes to build a Stanley Cup-winning roster.
Patrik Laine #92 of Finland takes questions during media day ahead of the 2025 NHL 4 Nations Face-Off at the Bell Centre on February 11, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Potential offer
The Canadiens could send the Ducks an offer involving defenseman David Reinbacher and a first-round selection in the 2026 NHL entry Draft, as proposed by The Hockey Writers‘ William Bourget.
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“It may seem steep, but that’s the starting point for a 22-year-old centre with McTavish’s pedigree,” Bourget stated. “[However,] Anaheim also has a deep prospect pool on the blue line and could decline that offer.”
Under heavy scrutiny
While Reinbacher is trending to be a pivotal piece of Montreal’s blueline for the future, his selection with the 5th overall pick in 2023 was one that many in the City of Saints disapproved. At the very least, it raised eyebrows around Quebec’s Metropolis.
At the time, many believed the Habs had a much bigger need for star talent in their ranks. Russian sensation Matvei Michkov was available with the fifth overall pick, but the Canadiens ultimately opted to draft Reinbacher, who has yet to make his NHL debut.
David Reinbacher is selected by the Montréal Canadiens with the fifth overall pick during round one of the 2023 Upper Deck NHL Draft at Bridgestone Arena on June 28, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee.
Don’t count them out
“While Anaheim is still trying to sign Mason McTavish, [insider] Jimmy Murphy is hearing that Detroit, Montreal and Carolina are teams to keep an eye on for a possible McTavish trade,” @NHLTradeAlert reported on X, formerly Twitter.
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Toronto may not be among the frontrunners to land McTavish if Anaheim ever changes its mind about the restricted free agent (RFA). Still, the Buds can’t be taken for granted. If the opportunity presents itself, the Leafs could pounce on the chance to surround Matthews with another exciting youngster.
SurveyWhere would McTavish fit best?
Where would McTavish fit best?
However, it seems the Maple Leafs’ concerns are on a different topic at the moment. Toronto needs to sell some assets rather than buy new ones. Regardless, make no mistake—if a door so much as creaks open, the Buds will lean in to listen.