Trade rumors have been swirling around the Montreal Canadiens and Anaheim Ducks, but what’s really happening behind closed doors? The latest revelations from top NHL insiders have reignited the debate, and this time, the stakes are higher than ever.

With Mason McTavish—a rising star and former third overall pick—at the center of it all, the Ducks reportedly set an eye-popping price that has left the Canadiens’ front office at a crossroads.

Kent Hughes, Montreal’s GM, is said to be unwavering in his stance, refusing to part with prized young defenseman David Reinbacher, even as Anaheim’s persistent demands include both Reinbacher and promising forward Kirby Dach.

But is this the right call for the Canadiens’ future? Could passing up on McTavish mean missing out on a game-changing opportunity, or is Hughes wisely protecting the team’s core assets?

Insider Jimmy Murphy and other well-connected reporters suggest this story is far from new—but the details emerging now make it more compelling than ever. As the drama unfolds, fans are left wondering: Is a blockbuster deal still possible, or will Montreal hold firm? The answers might surprise you.

Photo of Canadiens GM Kent Hughes (right) and Ducks' Mason McTavish (left)

Photo credit: HabsFanatics/NHL

The excellent Jimmy Murphy has just reconfirmed some very interesting information involving the Montreal Canadiens and the Anaheim Ducks.

According to him, Kent Hughes is absolutely not willing to include young David Reinbacher in a trade to acquire young center Mason McTavish, even if that’s what the Ducks were asking.

By resharing a post that indicated the price asked by the Ducks was “way too high” for Kent Hughes’ liking, and that also stated “David Reinbacher + Kirby Dach” was Anaheim’s starting point in talks for McTavish, Murphy added this:

“Far from breaking news.

Old. Many, including myself, reported this last month.”

– Jimmy Murphy

We’re talking here about a reporter with solid NHL sources, including strong connections with the Montreal Canadiens.

David Reinbacher and Kirby Dach Requested by Anaheim Ducks in Exchange for Mason McTavish?

At this point, it’s clear that Kent Hughes is absolutely not willing to go there.

The Montreal Canadiens do not want to trade David Reinbacher.

Period.

Still, all of this remains very intriguing.

Mason McTavish, 22 years old, is a complete center, standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 220 pounds. He 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 he recorded 52 points in 76 games in 2024-25, playing on a third line with little power-play time.

He would be incredible as the Canadiens’ second-line center, but indeed, the price to acquire him is extremely high.

If the trade proposed by the Ducks (for McTavish) really included David Reinbacher and Kirby Dach, do you think Kent Hughes should accept it?

Still on the subject of McTavish and the Montreal Canadiens, let’s recall what the excellent Marco D’Amico confirmed in recent hours.

There’s action, no doubt about it.