The dog days of summer are winding down, and with that comes the deafening silence from front offices. But in Anaheim, the quiet surrounding contract talks with RFA Mason McTavish is speaking volumes, and it’s fanning the flames of trade speculation across the league. While a player of McTavish’s caliber naturally draws interest from a host of teams, the Montreal Canadiens rumors have been particularly persistent. However, sources are indicating that Habs fans shouldn’t get their hopes up. The price of admission for the McTavish sweepstakes is simply too high for GM Kent Hughes, and for good reason.
It’s looking increasingly likely that the Canadiens have taken themselves out of the running. The Ducks, under the direction of Pat Verbeek, have set a steep asking price, and the crown jewels of the Canadiens’ prospect pool are reportedly off-limits. I’m told that Montreal is unwilling to part with either their prized defensive prospect, David Reinbacher, or their promising young center, Michael Hage. And frankly, that’s the right call. You don’t trade the future for a potential, albeit significant, upgrade. While the Habs could dangle prospects like Owen Beck or goalie Jacob Fowler, it’s highly unlikely that’s enough to move the needle for a Ducks team that has no pressing need for a goaltender of the future and is looking for a more immediate impact.
What Are the Anaheim Ducks Really Looking For?
This brings us to the core of the issue. The Ducks aren’t in a fire-sale rebuild. They are aiming to be a playoff contender this season. Verbeek isn’t interested in a package of draft picks and maybes unless a legitimate, roster-ready NHL player is coming back the other way. That’s a piece the Canadiens are unlikely to subtract from their current lineup.
So, what’s the most probable scenario here? From where I’m sitting, this all ends with McTavish signing a bridge deal with the Ducks. It’s the path of least resistance. McTavish gets a solid contract, the Ducks keep their young star in the fold as they push for the playoffs, and the NHL trade rumors are put to bed… for now. For Montreal, it’s a reminder that while the team is on the upswing, building a true contender means protecting your most valuable assets, not trading them away for a quick fix.
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The post The Sticking Point: Why the Montreal Canadiens Are Out of the Mason McTavish Sweepstakes appeared first on NHL Trade Rumors.
