If you told me a year ago that the Anaheim Ducks would be taking calls on Mason McTavish, I would have called you crazy. But in the fast-paced NHL, windows close and open rapidly. According to a recent report by Pierre LeBrun on The Athletic, the 23-year-old forward has officially become an intriguing trade target this offseason. LeBrun noted he “knows for a fact” that several teams have already inquired about the young center.
McTavish regressed slightly this past season following a highly publicized contract dispute, but the talent that made him a third-overall pick remains undeniable. For teams looking for a young, physical, high-ceiling center, he is viewed as the ultimate “ideal reset candidate.” But making a deal won’t be cheap. McTavish carries a significant contract with five years remaining at a $7 million Average Annual Value (AAV).
Analyzing the Fit: Why Mason McTavish Makes Sense for the Montreal Canadiens
So, where does he go? When you look around the league, the Montreal Canadiens instantly jump off the page as a prime landing spot.
Age-wise, McTavish perfectly aligns with the young core Montreal general manager Kent Hughes has been aggressively building. The Canadiens have a glaring, long-term need for a legitimate, physical second-line center to slot in behind Nick Suzuki. McTavish brings a heavy game and a lethal shot that could thrive under head coach Martin St. Louis.
However, as an NHL analyst, I have to point out the red flags. There are legitimate concerns surrounding his foot speed and the on-ice struggles he displayed this season. In today’s transition-heavy NHL, a center making $7 million needs to be able to drive play. But if there is a locker room culture equipped to help a young player regain his confidence and round out his 200-foot game, it’s the current environment in Montreal. Furthermore, the Canadiens are one of the few teams with the deep prospect pool and draft capital required to make the Ducks blink.
What the Anaheim Ducks Need to Move Their $7M Center
Why would Anaheim move him? It all comes down to future roster economics. The Anaheim Ducks are sitting comfortably with over $38.7 million in projected salary-cap space for 2026-27. Cap space isn’t the immediate issue. The reality, as LeBrun wisely points out, is that franchise cornerstones Leo Carlsson and Cutter Gauthier will be coming off their entry-level contracts soon. Those two will command massive, long-term raises. Moving McTavish now maximizes his trade value before those cap crunches become a reality, allowing Anaheim to restock their blue-line prospects or add future draft capital.
Mason McTavish Career NHL Stats
| Type | GP | G | A | P | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Season | 304 | 77 | 104 | 181 | -54 |
| Playoffs | 10 | 1 | 5 | 6 | 1 |
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