Trade rumors have been swirling around Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish for weeks, but the latest twist in the saga could have massive implications for the Montreal Canadiens.

With Kent Hughes reportedly keeping a close eye on McTavish’s situation, speculation is reaching a fever pitch in Montreal—and now, a new detail has emerged that could change everything.

For the first time, Anaheim’s front office has made it clear exactly what they would want in return if they were to part with their prized young center. The catch? It’s a price that might make even the most ambitious Canadiens fan hesitate.

Insiders are buzzing after an NHL executive revealed the Ducks’ specific demand, and all signs point to a single, high-profile player within Montreal’s ranks.

Could the Habs really consider letting go of one of their most promising young defensemen to land McTavish? The answer isn’t simple, and the potential deal is already dividing fans and analysts alike.

What would it mean for the Canadiens’ future—and is the risk worth the potential reward? The full story behind this blockbuster rumor is more complicated than it seems.

Photo credit: Ryan Sun-Imagn Images

The name Mason McTavish has been very present in trade rumors for the past few weeks, and he is often linked to Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens.

It’s very reminiscent of what happened in the Noah Dobson situation, just before the trade was finalized between the Habs and the Islanders.

That said, we now have an important new development in this matter.

Anaheim Ducks General Manager Pat Verbeek Reveals What He’s Looking For in Exchange for Mason McTavish

Obviously, his number one priority is to keep McTavish.

Who wouldn’t want to keep such a player?

That said, if he were ever to trade his excellent young center, here is what he would ask for in return.

“An NHL executive, who recently spoke with Pat Verbeek, reports that the Ducks’ general manager knows exactly what he wants in return for McTavish: a right-handed defenseman capable of playing in a top 4 right now, with the potential to become a first-pairing cornerstone in the long term.”

Within the Montreal Canadiens organization, there’s only one logical name.. Only one name that fits this description!

Yes, it’s David Reinbacher!

“The price to pay would be a young right-handed defenseman with a first-pair future.”

Here’s what Mason McTavish would cost if the Canadiens try to acquire him.

All the details are in Jimmy Murphy’s article, but yes, it’s clear that the Ducks are asking the Montreal Canadiens for Reinbacher in exchange for McTavish.

And you-would you be willing to involve Reinbacher in such a trade?

Mason McTavish, 22 years old, is a complete center, 6-foot-2 and 220 pounds, who was the 3rd overall pick by the Anaheim Ducks in 2021 (first round).

He has 140 points in 229 career NHL games, including 60 goals, and recorded 52 points in 76 games in 2024-25, playing on a third line and with little power play time.

McTavish would quite literally be the ideal second-line center for the Montreal Canadiens.