NHL Rumors: Could Canadiens Trade This One Player for Ducks Mason McTavish?

The Montreal Canadiens have been linked to Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish in ongoing trade speculation, but acquiring the 22-year-old would likely come at a massive cost. 

McTavish, drafted 3rd overall in 2021, posted 52 points in 76 games last season despite limited power-play time, making him an ideal second-line center for a team like Montreal. Ducks GM Pat Verbeek has not yet signed McTavish and has indicated he will only consider deals that are “too good to refuse.” 

Insiders suggest that Montreal would likely have to offer top defensive prospect David Reinbacher to even enter negotiations, raising questions about whether GM Kent Hughes is willing to part with his 2023 first-round pick.

Laval #GoRocket head coach Pascal Vincent wasn't surprised to see David Reinbacher have success when he returned from injury:

"His computer is quite amazing. He reads the play so well and so quick with so much poise"#GoHabsGo #thesickpodcast @MurphysLaw74 pic.twitter.com/PKb7INdLFd

— The Sick Podcast - The Eye Test (@sickpodnhl) August 21, 2025

Why Reinbacher Is Considered Untouchable

David Reinbacher, the Canadiens’ 5th overall pick in 2023, is entering a crucial year in his development with the Laval Rocket. Despite a knee injury in the 2024 preseason, he returned to play 10 regular-season and 13 playoff games, showing a lot of promise.

At 6-foot-3 and 207 pounds, Reinbacher combines NHL-ready size with exceptional hockey sense, excelling on the penalty kill, in transition, and as a shutdown defender. His calm, methodical style pairs perfectly with a more offensive-minded defenseman like Lane Hutson, making him a cornerstone of the Canadiens’ future blue line. Montreal has been deliberate in letting him develop at his own pace, understanding that top-four defensemen often take longer to reach their full potential.

David Reinbacher on the ice in Brossard today

pic.twitter.com/FBo0vX0kyC

— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) August 21, 2025

The Trade Dilemma

Giving up Reinbacher for McTavish would be a bold move, as the Canadiens would sacrifice one of their top prospects for immediate forward help. While McTavish offers the chance to stabilize the second line and add scoring depth, Reinbacher is a long-term building block on a blue line crowded with young talent, including Lane Hutson, Noah Dobson, Kaiden Guhle, Arber Xhekaj, and Jayden Struble. 

Montreal is unlikely to part with Reinbacher unless a package includes multiple high-level assets, making the trade a steep gamble. For now, Hughes appears focused on letting Reinbacher continue his development, making a one-for-one swap unlikely.

Photo Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images