The Montreal Canadiens have been the talk of the town post-trade deadline, even without making any moves. General Manager Kent Hughes hinted at a blockbuster deal that almost came to fruition, signaling the team's readiness to shake things up if the right opportunity arises.
While the specifics of the potential trade remain under wraps, it's clear the Canadiens are focused on building a roster that complements their existing core. The focus is on players who can grow with stars like Cole Caufield, Nick Suzuki, and Juraj Slafkovsky, as well as promising rookies Ivan Demidov and Oliver Kapanen.
One player who could fit the bill perfectly is Anaheim's Mason McTavish. Drafted third overall in 2021, McTavish has shown promise but faced challenges this season.
After signing a six-year extension with an average annual value of $7 million, his performance has dipped, tallying just 32 points in 61 games and a +/- of -11. Despite this, his potential remains undeniable.
At just 23 years old, McTavish could be the answer to the Canadiens' need for a strong second-line center. His skills in the faceoff circle, with a career percentage of 48.7%, and his power-play prowess, evidenced by 21 career power-play goals, make him an intriguing option.
The contract itself is enticing. With five years left at a reasonable cap hit, McTavish's deal could become a bargain as the salary cap rises. While acquiring him won't come cheap, the Canadiens could look to a package similar to what the Ducks received for Trevor Zegras-a second-round pick, a fourth-round pick, and Ryan Poehling.
Given the Ducks' struggles this season, they might be open to negotiations. If so, the Canadiens should be ready to act swiftly, seizing the opportunity to bolster their lineup with a young talent like McTavish.