The Montreal Canadiens’ search for new talent is heating up as the offseason rolls on. They missed the playoffs in the 2024-25 campaign, and fans are eager to see who could help the team make it back.
Right now, all eyes are on Anaheim Ducks forward Mason McTavish, whose name keeps coming up in trade talks. But landing him won’t be easy, and what the Ducks want in return has Canadiens supporters nervous. Are the Habs willing to pay the price, and will the deal change their future plans?
What Would Mason McTavish Mean for the Montreal Canadiens?
Since the start of the 2024-25 campaign, the Ducks have signaled they’re open to trading McTavish. The catch is, they’re asking for a top-four right-handed shot in return. Several teams want the 2C, but Anaheim’s price makes the situation tricky.
Montreal’s need for firepower is obvious. Their front three of Nick Suzuki (89), Cole Caulfield (70), and Lane Hutson keep fans excited, but a reliable 2C would support Suzuki and round out the attack. Some critics say McTavish is the perfect fit for that role.
Even after landing Noah Dobson from the New York Islanders on an eight-year, $76 million contract, the Canadiens still seem ready to spend. That extra value could come in the form of David Reinbacher.
Reinbacher, picked fifth overall in the 2023 draft, has developed into a crucial player for Montreal. Standing 6’3″ with impressive athleticism, he’s considered a long-term option for their top four defensive group.
The right-handed shot makes Reinbacher especially valuable. The Ducks, who are hoping to boost their blue line, could be enticed to move McTavish for him. Reinbacher is still working his way back from a knee injury, but remains one of Montreal’s top prospects.
Some critics note that his injury last September was serious, yet expectations are that he will be ready for NHL action by October. Montreal’s depth at defensemen suggests they’ve built a strong future core for the top four.
Noah Dobson and Hutson are already locking down key roles in the group, giving Montreal plenty of defensive strength for the coming years. Still, the Canadiens, facing defensive struggles in recent months, might see GM Kent Hughes hesitate to let Reinbacher go.
Adding uncertainty to the mix is Kirby Dach’s injury, which has kept fans wondering about the stability of the front six. There’s also the fact that McTavish still needs to prove himself over a full NHL season, with just 36 games played last year.
His 33 points in that span hint at a strong scoring pace, but Reinbacher’s value as a potential decade-long cornerpiece for Montreal makes the trade a hot topic. While a deal could happen before October, the situation is tense, with fans and insiders watching closely to see how far the Canadiens are willing to go.