The NHL rumor mill has been spinning faster than ever, and this time, it’s centered around one of the league’s most promising young talents: Mason McTavish.

In a recent episode of the “32 Thoughts Podcast,” respected insider Elliotte Friedman dropped a revelation that sent shockwaves through the Montreal Canadiens fanbase and beyond.

Speculation about a potential offer sheet for McTavish has dominated conversations, but the real story is far more intriguing than anyone imagined.

Was Montreal truly on the verge of making a bold move for the Anaheim Ducks’ rising star? Why did negotiations stall, and what hidden factor stopped Kent Hughes from pulling the trigger?

The answer involves high-stakes strategy, the shadow of a generational draft prospect, and a risk that could have changed the future of the Canadiens forever.

As fans debate what might have been, behind-the-scenes details are starting to emerge—details that reveal just how close Montreal came to making a franchise-altering decision.

But the full truth is still shrouded in mystery, and the implications for McTavish, the Canadiens, and the entire NHL could be bigger than anyone expects. The question remains: what really happened, and what comes next?

Feb 2, 2025; Anaheim, California, USA; Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish (23) celebrates his goal scored against the Montreal Canadiens during the second period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Photo credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

As part of the most recent episode of the podcast “32 Thoughts Podcast,” insider Elliotte Friedman chatted about Mason McTavish.

He actually made an interesting revelation, especially for Montreal Canadiens fans who were hoping to see an offer sheet.

No, the Montreal Canadiens ultimately did not submit an offer sheet for McTavish (at least not for now), but it’s not because young McTavish wasn’t open to that possibility.

Far from it.

“Elliotte Friedman: I think that McTavish’s representatives looked for an offer sheet, didn’t happen; I really believe the whole thing with Gavin McKenna [first rounders required in offer sheet] has terrified teams from doing the offer sheet”

– 32 Thoughts Podcast

If there hadn’t been a Gavin McKenna available in the first round of the 2026 draft, would an offer sheet have been made for Mason McTavish?

We can’t say for certain, but it really seems like yes.

Mason McTavish’s representatives looked for an offer sheet and the door was wide open for the Montreal Canadiens

It’s not that the invitation wasn’t extended!

The reality is simply that, even if a good season and a playoff appearance are expected for the Habs, the team is only 3-4 bad injuries away from a disaster.

We really hope that doesn’t happen!

But imagine if it did, and the Canadiens didn’t have their 2026 first-round pick.. It would be a true nightmare to lose a generational talent like Gavin McKenna.

So it’s understandable that Kent Hughes didn’t do it (at least not for now).. A situation to keep an eye on!