There’s a palpable buzz swirling around the Montreal Canadiens as the NHL’s off-season drama heats up, and it’s all centered on one name: Mason McTavish.

When the league’s most respected insiders start dropping hints about blockbuster moves, fans can’t help but sit up and take notice—especially when those whispers involve the Habs. McTavish, a dynamic young center still unsigned for next season, has become the focal point of speculation and debate across Montreal’s passionate hockey landscape.

Why are insiders suddenly laser-focused on the Tricolore? What makes this potential acquisition so electrifying?

As rumors escalate and the stakes grow higher, the Canadiens’ front office faces a pivotal decision that could redefine their future. With a wealth of promising assets at their disposal, the possibility of swinging a major deal is tantalizingly real.

But what would it take to actually land McTavish—and is Kent Hughes truly willing to pay the price? The answer isn’t as simple as it seems, and the implications reach far beyond just one trade.

So, what’s really going on behind closed doors in Montreal? What secret ingredients could tip the scales in this high-stakes negotiation? The full story might just surprise you…

Photo credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

It’s always interesting when the “big” well-known NHL insiders talk about possible acquisitions for the Montreal Canadiens.

They don’t only cover the Habs, so when they specifically target the Tricolore, it’s always intriguing.

Obviously, the name Mason McTavish (who is still without a contract for next season) refuses to leave the Montreal media.. After all, he’s an excellent young center and a possible future star forward.

He absolutely checks all the boxes for the Montreal Canadiens.

Kent Hughes has in hand the trade offer to acquire forward Mason McTavish, but is he ready to put it on the table?

According to what the well-regarded David Pagnotta mentioned, the Canadiens definitely have the necessary assets in hand to make a trade offer that could allow them to acquire McTavish.. Or at least, to make a trade offer that would seriously make the Ducks think about it.

David Pagnotta: Re Mason McTavish: “Based on a young asset pool perspective…yeah the Canadiens have a ton of that; I’m sure there’s enough there..that would entice the Ducks to at least take a look” – Campbell vs Gallo

Now, the problem here is that Michael Hage would probably need to be involved in that offer, and I’m far from convinced that Kent Hughes is ready to go there.

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

He has accumulated 140 points in 229 career NHL games, including 60 goals, and he recorded 52 points in 76 games in 2024-2025, on a third line and with little power-play time.

He would literally be ideal as the second-line center for the Montreal Canadiens, but Michael Hage could also be ideal.. A few years from now!

And you, what would you do if you were Kent Hughes?