As the NHL heads toward a new era of financial flexibility, the buzz surrounding the upcoming salary cap increase is impossible to ignore. General managers across the league are already strategizing their next moves, eager to seize opportunities that were previously out of reach. For teams like the Montreal Canadiens, the changing landscape could be the key to unlocking the next phase of their rebuild—and potentially landing a game-changing talent.

With a particularly impressive crop of restricted free agents set to hit the market in 2025, speculation is running wild about which bold front office will make the first move. Among the names generating the most excitement is a young forward whose breakout season has caught the attention of fans and executives alike. As rumors swirl about possible offer sheets and blockbuster deals, the pressure is mounting on decision-makers to think outside the box and take calculated risks.

Behind the scenes, former insiders and hockey analysts are weighing in with their own daring ideas, fueling debates across sports radio and social media. Could one audacious proposal be the spark that sets off a new wave of NHL drama? One thing is certain: the stakes have never been higher, and the hockey world is watching closely.

Photo credit: Ryan Sun-Imagn Images

The significant increase in the salary cap coming in the next few years is certainly welcome news for NHL general managers, including Kent Hughes.

Not only will it allow them more flexibility with their budgets, but we may also see a growing number of offer sheets submitted to restricted free agents.

The 2025 class is particularly strong, featuring players such as Noah Dobson, Evan Bouchard, Luke Hughes, Gabe Vilardi, Matthew Knies, and Mason McTavish.

The Duck forward is drawing particular attention from Montreal Canadiens fans, as it’s known that Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton are actively searching for a second-line center.

The 22-year-old forward is coming off the best season of his career with the Anaheim Ducks and will undoubtedly be looking for a substantial contract.

Speaking on BPM Sports, former player agent David Ettedgui stated that if he were the Canadiens’ GM, he wouldn’t hesitate for a second to submit an offer sheet to Mason McTavish.

He even suggested that Kent Hughes offer him a 7-year deal worth $9.2 million per season.

That would be the price to pay, according to some sources.

Offer Sheet Proposed for Mason McTavish and the Montreal Canadiens

Here is his exact offer:

“At $9.2 million per year, I’d take Mason McTavish in a heartbeat. In three years, he’ll be a steal. A steal!”

– David Ettedgui

Let’s just say that overpaying McTavish at this stage of his career wouldn’t sit well within the Ducks organization, as GM Pat Verbeek will have important decisions to make regarding other young players like Leo Carlsson, Cutter Gauthier, and Jackson LaCombe.

And you, do you like this proposal from the former player agent?