After a surprising run to the Eastern Conference Final, the Montreal Canadiens have a clearer picture of what they need to take the next step. That five-game exit at the hands of the Carolina Hurricanes wasn’t just a gut punch — it was a measuring stick. And the gap between Montreal and a Stanley Cup is wider than most fans want to admit.
One potential solution? A trade for Anaheim Ducks forward Mason McTavish.
The 22-year-old center signed a six-year, $7 million per season extension last offseason after a bitter contract dispute. But his first year under that deal was underwhelming: just 17 goals and 41 points. According to league insiders, that could make him a trade candidate this summer — especially after the Ducks previously moved Trevor Zegras in a similar scenario.
Anaheim finally returned to the playoffs this season and even knocked off the Edmonton Oilers in the first round. But with head coach Joel Quenneville now in charge and several veteran defensemen — Jacob Trouba, Radko Gudas, and John Carlson — all hitting free agency, the Ducks have roster holes to fill.
That’s where Montreal comes in.
What the Canadiens Could Offer
The Canadiens have cap space to absorb McTavish’s $7 million hit, but they could make the math even cleaner by including Brendan Gallagher. The veteran winger has one year left at $6.5 million and is well past his prime. The Ducks could flip him immediately for a draft pick or a low-end prospect, giving Anaheim flexibility.
The real prize for the Ducks would be defenseman David Reinbacher. Montreal’s top prospect hasn’t cracked the NHL yet, but he’s close. The Ducks are thin on young blueliners behind Jackson LaCombe, and Reinbacher could slot into their lineup right away.
To seal the deal, the Canadiens would likely need to add picks. The perfect package, according to trade analysts: Gallagher, Reinbacher, a 2026 second-round pick, and a 2027 fifth-round pick.
Why would the Ducks part with a 22-year-old center on a long-term deal? Because they’ve finally emerged from their rebuild, and Quenneville already got the most out of this roster without much production from McTavish. Adding a quality young defenseman could push Anaheim deeper into Western Conference contention.
For Montreal, the motivation is clear. The Canadiens traded both of their 2025 first-round picks to acquire Noah Dobson last offseason, signaling they’re all-in. Philip Danault is entering the final year of his contract, and McTavish would give the team a young center to develop under one of the NHL’s elite defensive pivots.
Free agency offers few impact forwards this summer, thanks to the rising salary cap. That makes the trade market the only real avenue for Montreal to upgrade. McTavish is one of the few young players who might actually be available.
The Canadiens have a decision to make before this month’s draft. If they want to close the gap between a conference finals appearance and a championship, picking up the phone about McTavish could be the first step.
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