As the NHL offseason inches toward its final stretch, few names have generated as much buzz as Mason McTavish.

The young Anaheim Ducks center has become the centerpiece of trade rumors swirling around Montreal, captivating fans and insiders alike with speculation about his future.

With every passing day, the anticipation grows—will McTavish make a shocking move, or will the rumors finally fade away?

It’s easy to see why he’s at the heart of so much attention. McTavish’s blend of size, skill, and offensive instincts makes him a rare commodity, coveted by teams desperate for a game-changing center.

Montreal Canadiens supporters, in particular, have been glued to every update, hoping for a blockbuster that could reshape their team’s trajectory.

But as training camps approach and the chatter refuses to die down, a new twist has emerged from one of hockey’s most respected voices.

Elliotte Friedman, whose insights often set the tone for NHL discourse, has weighed in on the McTavish saga, and his comments might just shift the narrative in a way nobody expected.

What did Friedman reveal? Why are teams still chasing McTavish despite the odds? The answers may surprise you—and they could have major implications for the Canadiens and the entire NHL.

Mason McTavish

Photo credit: NHL

At this point, we’re almost looking forward to Mason McTavish signing with the Ducks so the rumors can finally disappear in Montreal.

No introduction is needed for Mason McTavish: the young center for the Anaheim Ducks has dominated nearly all the trade rumor attention surrounding the Canadiens this summer.

It must be said, the young man is a dream. A sturdy center with clear offensive flair and a good build isn’t found around every corner.

And it’s largely for this reason that, according to Sportsnet journalist Elliotte Friedman, Canadiens fans (and fans of other NHL teams) need to come to terms with Mason McTavish.

The Ducks Won’t Trade Mason McTavish, According to Elliotte Friedman

On his weekly podcast 32 Thoughts, the journalist doesn’t mince words.

In response to a Vancouver Canucks fan who, like Canadiens fans, wants to see McTavish land on his favorite team, Friedman is categorical.

Elliotte Friedman on Mason McTavish: “I think teams have called…but I don’t think Anaheim wants to trade him; I would be surprised if he got traded”

The most attentive fans will have noted that it’s the same story being reported by Marco D’Amico and other journalists closely following the situation in recent days.

That said, one fact remains: Mason McTavish still doesn’t have a contract a few days before training camps begin, and Anaheim has nothing to lose by trying to ask for the moon from teams hoping to land their young center.

On this subject, we reported yesterday that Pat Verbeek, GM of the Ducks, requested players from Kent Hughes that the Canadiens GM was not willing to part with.