The Montreal Canadiens have made one blockbuster trade this summer. The Canadiens traded for defenseman Noah Dobson in a deal with the New York Islanders. This move was made official at the 2025 NHL Draft, and included an appearance from Oklahoma City Thunder star Lu Dort during the announcement.
However, Montreal still has some needs to address. And their biggest need is one they were unable to correct during NHL Free Agency. The Canadiens are in the market for a second-line center before the 2025-26 season begins in early October.
Overall, the Habs have fine depth down the middle. Nick Suzuki is a top-line center, while Kirby Dach and Alex Newhook are perfectly fine. Jake Evans is a strong fourth-line option. And Montreal signed hometown product Joe Veleno this summer to add further depth.
In saying this, one of Newhook or Dach is going to play second-line center as things stand. Both players are fine in as middle-six options. However, playing second-line center extensively is less than ideal for Montreal. They could stand to add another body and start a competition.
There is one intriguing option that could make a lot of sense, though. Bleacher Report writer Erik Beaston is urging Montreal to swing a major trade for Anaheim Ducks forward Mason McTavish.
“Adding him to a Montreal team that needs center depth, which also got a breakout season from first-line center 25-year-old Nick Suzuki (30 goals, 59 assists, and 89 points), would give the franchise two young foundational players to build around for the next decade,” Beaston wrote.
Ducks’ Mason McTavish Needs A New Contract
Sean M. Haffey/Getty ImagesMason McTavish remains unsigned by the Anaheim Ducks as the 2025-26 NHL season draws near.
McTavish went third overall in the 2021 NHL Draft. He immediately made the Ducks roster, and he’s become one of the more promising centers in the NHL. In 2024-25, he enjoyed a breakout campaign, scoring 22 goals and 52 points in 76 games.
The Canadiens could certainly use a player of his production and potential. However, a trade is not entirely straightforward. Agreeing to terms with the Ducks is one thing. The next step is agreeing to a new contract with McTavish.
The former third-overall pick is in line for a major pay rise. The Ducks forward is projected to sign an eight-year contract worth $8.4 million per season, according to Evolving Hockey. It’s important to note that this projection assumes McTavish is signing with Anaheim.
Financially, the Canadiens can afford this large contract. The question is whether they believe adding McTavish at this dollar amount — or a similar figure — is worth it for a player who is only entering his fourth season in the NHL and has scored more than 50 points once.
Canadiens Face Uphill Battle For McTavish Trade
The Habs certainly make sense as a landing spot for the Ducks forward. However, Montreal would likely need to present a massive offer to land him. Anaheim has little incentive to make this trade.
The Ducks traded Trevor Zegras to the Philadelphia Flyers this summer. Zegras had struggled with Anaheim over the last two seasons. Still, it’s unlikely the Ducks will want to trade two young players in the same offseason. Especially given that McTavish brings more upside at this point.
The Canadiens have the assets to pull it off. If Anaheim wants draft picks and prospects, they can make it happen. If they seek veterans, the Habs have those too. Montreal needs to convince Anaheim to make the deal, and that is certainly the hardest part of this discussion.
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