The NHL offseason is always a hotbed for rumors, but this summer, few stories have captivated fans quite like the swirling speculation around Mason McTavish.

As the Montreal Canadiens’ front office continues to reshape its roster, whispers of blockbuster trades and bold new directions are growing louder by the day.

General Manager Kent Hughes has already surprised the hockey world with a pair of daring moves, but sources suggest he may be on the verge of something even bigger.

With multiple teams vying for McTavish’s talents, the stakes have never been higher. Insiders reveal that a fierce bidding war is quietly unfolding behind the scenes, involving some of the league’s most ambitious GMs.

Yet, what exactly will it take to pry the rising star away from Anaheim? And how far is Montreal willing to go to secure a player who could redefine their future?

Montreal Canadiens GM Kent Hughes (left) Anaheim Ducks centre Mason McTavish (right)

Photo credit: All Habs

For several weeks now, Mason McTavish’s name has been tied to numerous rumors, and the Anaheim Ducks forward could soon be involved in a trade.

According to new information, we now know what GM Pat Verbeek wants in return for his young player.

Kent Hughes has been particularly active over the past few weeks and has pulled off two major moves. First, he managed to acquire the talented defenseman Noah Dobson from the New York Islanders in exchange for forward Emil Heineman and two first-round picks.

Then, the Canadiens’ GM made another great acquisition by bringing Zachary Bolduc into the fold. In return, he agreed to send defenseman Logan Mailloux to the St. Louis Blues.

However, everything suggests Kent Hughes isn’t done with his summer shopping. He came very close to finalizing a second deal with Doug Armstrong to acquire Jordan Kyrou, but that transaction hasn’t materialized yet – though the Blues’ GM remains open to trading Kyrou.

Nazem Kadri of the Calgary Flames is reportedly interested in playing for the Montreal Canadiens and remains a possible option.

The Canadiens’ front office is also reportedly keeping a close eye on Marco Rossi, who is struggling to reach an agreement with the Minnesota Wild.

In Dallas, Jason Robertson may be available, but GM Jim Nill is in no rush to make a decision regarding the future of his star forward.

There’s Movement in the Mason McTavish Situation as Pat Verbeek Reveals What He Wants in Return

Finally, there’s Mason McTavish, who is clearly one of Kent Hughes’ top targets.

According to journalist Jimmy Murphy of RG Media, the Montreal Canadiens are in a three-team race to try to acquire McTavish.

However, it’s reportedly Steve Yzerman and the Detroit Red Wings who are currently the most aggressive in pursuing him.

“I think there’s a better chance now that the Ducks keep him, but teams are still trying to get him from the Ducks and wondering where this is going, and it’s still in a circling pattern,” an NHL Executive source told RG on Tuesday night.

“I’ve heard the Canadiens and Hurricanes have been keeping tabs, but one team I keep hearing that has continued to show strong interest is the Detroit Red Wings.

Obviously there’s a history there with Pat [Verbeek] and Steve [Yzerman], and I really think Steve sees McTavish as a player that would clearly change the whole dynamic of his team up the middle there.”

There is no official indication that Verbeek will trade his forward anytime soon, but he reportedly wants a young right-shot defenseman with top-pairing potential in return.

That likely means the Canadiens would have to part with David Reinbacher.

To be continued!