It seems that wherever the Toronto Maple Leafs are, the Montreal Canadiens find a way to be there as well. The biggest rivalry in the NHL runs all year long, not just when the Habs and Buds meet on the ice. According to reports, the Leafs may have taken a backseat in their pursuit of a key teammate for Auston Matthews and company. Instead, Patrik Laine and Montreal could be zooming in.
The Anaheim Ducks have no desire to move on from restricted free agent (RFA) Mason McTavish. Still, with every passing minute the two sides don’t reach an agreement, the rest of the NHL leans in a little closer.
Toronto was among the teams to show interest in McTavish, but that has seemingly faded. As reports now state, Laine’s Habs could be in the lead for the young forward. That is, of course, if Anaheim gives up on an extension. Needless to say, the Ducks won’t deal McTavish away for peanuts in an NHL market with no shortage of potential suitors.
“While Anaheim is still trying to sign Mason McTavish, [insider] Jimmy Murphy is hearing that Detroit, Montreal and Carolina are teams to keep an eye on for a possible McTavish trade,” as stated by @NHLTradeAlert on X, formerly Twitter.
Mason McTavish #37 of the Anaheim Ducks looks on after losing 4-1 in a game at Honda Center on December 21, 2022 in Anaheim, California.
Bigger picture
Matthews and the Leafs would’ve been on cloud nine if their team had managed to acquire McTavish. However, there are other business matters in The Six that require full attention. As things stand, the Buds should be more concerned with moving on from players than bringing in new ones. The clock is ticking—before they know it, the NHL season will be upon them in Toronto.
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NHL News: Auston Matthews, Maple Leafs reportedly left with no choice but to move on from one of key depth trio
On that note, insider Chris Johnston reports the Leafs are circling around Calle Jarnkrok, David Kampf, and Nicholas Robertson. The three forwards currently lack a cemented spot in Craig Berube’s lineup and trading them might be the smart decision in Hogtown.
Grass isn’t always greener
Looking at Toronto and Montreal, the saying ‘the grass isn’t always greener on the other side’ is put in full display. While the Leafs might be up against the ropes in regards to the roster limit, the Habs are up to their necks in cap space. The Canadiens are currently $5.9 million over the salary cap, and decisions must be made.
Patrik Laine #92 of the Montreal Canadiens skates during warmups prior to the game against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Bell Centre on January 18, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Laine‘s $8.7 million contract would be the easiest way for Montreal to fall right back into cap compliance. However, the Finn’s deal includes a ten-team no-trade list, which limits the potential suitors for the Habs. Moreover, the Canadiens might not be able to get the best return in the exchange, as the urgency to free up space would cost them leverage.
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All in all, it might be best for Montreal to look elsewhere. Perhaps the defensive side of the puck, where they might be set to part ways with one of three blueliners: Mike Matheson, Arber Xhekaj, or Jayden Struble.
