Top Center Target for the Canadiens Reportedly 'More Available Than Ever,' Says Insider
Joe Veleno wasn't brought in to fill the hole on the Canadiens' second line at center, but rather to add depth. Kent Hughes is clearly still looking to address that gap, and the name Mason McTavish is becoming more and more intriguing.
According to a recent statement from Jeff Marek, the 3rd overall pick from the 2021 Draft, McTavish, is said to be "more available than ever" from the Ducks.
Wow.
Jeff Marek: Re Mason McTavish:
"Is he available?"
"The way that I'd put it is, he's more available now than he's ever been"
- Sekeres and Price
"Is he available?"
"The way that I'd put it is, he's more available now than he's ever been"
- Sekeres and Price
Mason McTavish Reportedly Unhappy With His Diminished Role in Anaheim
Reports from the past few weeks suggest the forward isn't very happy with the Ducks.
His role has significantly decreased since joining the team, and he's lost prominence in Anaheim's lineup due to the emergence of Leo Carlsson.
Recent draft picks like Leo Carlsson, Beckett Sennecke, and Roger McQueen, along with the additions of veterans Mikael Granlund and Chris Kreider, have reshaped the team's offensive hierarchy.
Not to mention last year's acquisition of Cutter Gauthier, which has further complicated things.
As a result, McTavish is no longer at the core of Anaheim's rebuild-much to his frustration.
How Could Kent Hughes Acquire Mason McTavish?
In recent days, Frank Seravalli added more fuel to the fire, noting that McTavish is a name to watch closely in the coming weeks.
It appears Ducks GM Pat Verbeek is quietly shopping his prized asset. If that's the case, you can bet Kent Hughes has inquired about the asking price.
But he won't be the only one.
According to Seravalli, several teams are still in the hunt for a top-six forward.
Hughes will need to get creative, and it certainly won't come in the form of an offer sheet.
As Raphael Simard from DLC points out, the Ducks still have nearly $29 million in available cap space.
They'd have no problem matching an offer.
A few days ago, we mentioned in a column that the Canadiens and Ducks are perfect trade partners, each able to address the other's needs.
On one side, there's the sought-after center. On the other, a veteran defenseman like Mike Matheson who could guide young players like Pavel Mintyukov, Tristan Luneau, and Olen Zellweger.
According to many, Matheson is the final major trade chip the Canadiens have to acquire a center.
Management will need to be extremely patient and strategic with it-one wrong move could waste that opportunity.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 26 | 2724 ANSWERS Top Center Target for the Canadiens Reportedly 'More Available Than Ever,' Says Insider Would you trade Matheson, a 1st round pick and a 2nd round pick for Mason McTavish? | ||
| Deal | 1807 | 66.3 % |
| No Deal | 917 | 33.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
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