Canadiens Linked to Ducks’ Restricted Free Agent Amid Unclear Nazem Kadri Availability

NHL insider Jeff Marek appeared on the "Sekerees & Price" show and said McTavish is “more available now than he’s ever been,” pointing to the Ducks’ shifting priorities under general manager Pat Verbeek.

“It’s probably the most that Mason McTavish has been available,” Marek said. “And if he is available, start the lineup of teams that are looking for a second-line center, whether it’s Minnesota or Montreal.”

The Ducks selected McTavish with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2021 NHL draft, and he's coming off his third full season (he only played nine games in 2021-22) in the NHL, in which he scored 22 goals and 30 assists in 76 regular-season games.

Canadiens Exploring Alternatives Amid Unclear Nazem Kadri Availability

Kadri remains a possible target for Montreal, but his contract — which carries a $7 million annual cap hit through June 2029 — and the presence of a no-move clause in his deal make a trade quite complex.

Although the franchise is listening to offers from potential suitors, the Flames are not actively shopping Kadri.

"I would imagine for the right price, (Flames GM Craig) Conroy would certainly listen," Marek said. "I would imagine that if presented with the right opportunity, Kadri would probably go."

Montreal has a plethora of young players and draft picks to send Calgary, but the Canadiens are nearly $6 million over the cap, so they'd need to make up for that deficit and Kadri's $7 million per season (a total gap of $13 million combining both figures) to complete a trade.

Mason McTavish Is Becoming A Prime Trade Candidate

McTavish’s combination of age, production, and versatility is drawing interest beyond Montreal. Analyst Nick Alberga recently called him the No. 1 player the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal's biggest rival, should target.

“Mason McTavish, I just think this guy checks way too many boxes,” Alberga said. “He can play the wing, he can play up the middle… I think ideally, you’re looking for somebody for John Tavares to pass the torch to when it comes to the 2C position.”

Alberga noted McTavish’s contract status as an opportunity the Leafs shouldn't let go.

“(McTavish) is just 22, and he’s going to get paid. I don’t know if it’s going to be with Anaheim or somewhere else,” Alberga said. “He’s going to make his money, but I think he’s at a point where he hasn’t totally popped off yet, and he’s another great example of a guy that maybe you get him before he completely pops off.

“That’s what my approach would look like if I was (Leafs general manager) Brad Treliving. I’d try to find a guy who’s ready to pop off.”