We’ve heard rumblings about Trevor Zegras being on the Montreal Canadiens’ radar for a few years. The Anaheim Ducks' ninth overall pick at the 2019 draft was on the United States development program with Cole Caufield, and he is undoubtedly talented, but has underperformed. Furthermore, the Habs desperately need a real second-line center, which Kirby Dach doesn’t seem destined to be. But what if Kent Hughes decided to target Mason McTavish instead?
The former third overall pick at the 2021 draft has been steadily progressing over his first three years in the NHL and is now a restricted free agent. I’ve already written that I would be shocked if Hughes elected to use an offer sheet to land a player this offseason, especially since Anaheim has plenty of cap space, they would probably match any offer for the youngster.
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The Ducks have also been rumored to be interested in former first-round pick Logan Mailloux. The blueliner has worked hard on his defensive game this season under Pascal Vincent with the Laval Rocket. He has looked terrific in the Calder Cup playoffs, which would have raised his stock. I know the Canadiens need right-shot defensemen, but you’ve got to give something to get something, and if Hughes and co. believe David Reinbacher will be the best of the two, it’s conceivable they would entertain moving Mailloux.
Anaheim would likely want more in return for McTavish, however. They already have nine draft picks for the upcoming draft, but there will be one in the first round. The Canadiens are sitting pretty with two first-rounders, and those 16th and 17th overall picks may interest the Ducks. If not, they’ve only got six picks at the 2026 draft. Meanwhile, Montreal has 12 selections in June and nine in 2026. The Ducks are still in the assets accumulating phase of their rebuild and could be interested in futures.
What happens, however, if they insist on a roster player? Someone who can fit in their lineup immediately and have a similar impact as McTavish? Nick Suzuki is not going anywhere, and neither are Cole Caufield and Ivan Demidov, in my view. Could Hughes be willing to move Juraj Slafkovsky? He could certainly interest Anaheim, but if he can master how he’s meant to play with increased physicality, he also fills a need in Montreal. The Canadiens don’t have too many players who can fit that bill.
It would be shocking if Anaheim were willing to take Dach or Alex Newhook. Still, their performances since arriving in trades and the former’s injury record are far from enticing, and there’s a limit to what one can obtain in negotiating, even if it is Hughes.
The idea of acquiring McTavish is interesting, but any trade would have to be big and include pieces Canadiens fans would likely prefer to keep. That’s what Hughes and Gorton are paid for, though, to make those kinds of choices.
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