There are moments in a hockey season when the spotlight unexpectedly shifts, illuminating stories that simmered quietly beneath the surface. In Anaheim, the narrative surrounding Mason McTavish, once seen as the franchise’s future centerpiece, has taken a dramatic and unforeseen turn—one that sends ripples not only through the Ducks’ locker room but also across the NHL, reaching all the way to Montreal.

Just a few months ago, McTavish’s name was a fixture in trade rumors, with whispers linking him to the Montreal Canadiens. The chatter eventually faded, replaced by the steady rhythm of the regular season. But in recent days, subtle signs have emerged, suggesting that the situation in Anaheim is far more volatile than anyone realized. The patience of the Ducks’ organization, once seemingly endless for their talented young center, appears to be wearing thin. The echoes of a similar saga—Trevor Zegras’s contentious exit to Philadelphia—linger in the minds of fans and analysts, fueling speculation that history may be repeating itself.

What exactly has gone wrong for McTavish in Anaheim? The answers are elusive, buried beneath a series of cryptic coaching decisions and public statements that raise more questions than they answer. The Ducks’ head coach, usually reserved in his criticism, has recently shown flashes of frustration. Shifts skipped. Benchings that last entire periods. Power-play opportunities revoked. Each move is a message, but the meaning remains tantalizingly out of reach. And then, in one pivotal third period, the situation escalates: McTavish finds himself demoted to the fourth line, replaced by a journeyman who has struggled to find a permanent home in the NHL. For McTavish, who was once the heartbeat of Anaheim’s offense, the implications are profound.

This sudden shift is more than just a lineup change—it’s a signal that something significant is brewing behind the scenes. The Ducks, now driven by a new wave of young talent, seem to be reevaluating their future. With names like Leo Carlsson, Beckett Sennecke, Cutter Gauthier, and Troy Terry taking center stage, the question looms: Is Anaheim preparing to part ways with Mason McTavish? The potential fallout from such a move could reshape the landscape not only for the Ducks but for any team bold enough to pursue him.

For the Montreal Canadiens, this unfolding drama presents an intriguing opportunity. General manager Kent Hughes has already shown a willingness to make bold moves, and the prospect of acquiring a big, skilled center like McTavish could be too tempting to ignore. But what would it take to pry him away from Anaheim? And is Montreal ready to take the risk on a player whose journey has suddenly become so unpredictable?

As the season unfolds, the stakes grow higher. McTavish, just 22 years old, remains a player with immense potential—11 points in 19 games this year, and 52 points last season. His own words hint at untapped reserves: “It hasn’t been definitely my best at all. I know I got a lot more to give.” The question is, where will he be given the chance to prove it?

The answers are coming, and the consequences could be game-changing—for Anaheim, Montreal, and for Mason McTavish himself.

Dec 9, 2024; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish (23) plays the puck against Montreal Canadiens right wing Josh Anderson (17) during the first period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

The name of the excellent forward Mason McTavish was everywhere in trade rumors involving the Montreal Canadiens a few months ago.

It obviously calmed down, but we recently got some hints indicating that the Anaheim Ducks were really starting to lose patience with McTavish.

It really brings to mind what happened with Trevor Zegras before his trade to the Philadelphia Flyers.

It’s confirmed for Mason McTavish: he is demoted by the Anaheim Ducks and things are starting to shake up over there

Over the past few games, there have been several moments when the Ducks’ head coach lost patience with McTavish.

He skipped his shifts, left him on the bench for long stretches, took away his power-play time, sent some messages through press conferences. And now this just happened:

“It appears that Mason McTavish has been demoted to the fourth line here in the third period. Jansen Harkins is now centering Cutter Gauthier and Beckett Sennecke.”

– Derek Lee

Getting bumped by Jansen Harkins, a player who has been placed on NHL waivers numerous times, is really not good news for McTavish (with all due respect).

Now that the Ducks are led by the Leo Carlsson, Beckett Sennecke, Cutter Gauthier, Troy Terry and company. Are they now ready to trade Mason McTavish?

“It hasn’t been definitely my best at all. I know I got a lot more to give.”

– Mason McTavish

Kent Hughes needs to take advantage! And we already know the price it could cost him to acquire McTavish.

This time, the Ducks really seem ready to move on from Mason McTavish!

McTavish, 22 years old, is a big, complete center who has 11 points in 19 games this season, after putting up 52 points (22 goals) last season.