Hockey

Mason McTavish file: status quo, according to Pierre LeBrun
Mathis Therrien
Mason McTavish file: status quo, according to Pierre LeBrun
Credit: Getty Images

If there's one issue in the National Hockey League that's currently attracting a lot of attention, it's that of Anaheim Ducks forward Mason McTavish. The 22-year-old forward is still without a contract for the current season, which starts in ten days' time, as he simply doesn't get along with the Ducks' staff.

According to reports, there‘s a huge gulf between the two camps, as McTavish wants a lucrative long-term contract, while the Ducks would prefer to sign a bridge contract for a few seasons.

We're a long way from an agreement, and that's why McTavish is currently practicing with the Ottawa 67's, an OHL junior team. We're all saying that the situation will finally unblock itself, the more the days go by, and the closer we get to the first game of the regular season, but in the end, nothing's moving. Pierre LeBrun said it again this morning, when he explained that it's still status quo between McTavish and the Ducks.

Indeed, LeBrun is quite clear in his comments, stating that it's still very slow going there, and that nothing is moving at the moment.

Obviously, a simple appeal could change everything, but right now, nothing seems close to breaking the deadlock. The appeal that could change everything would normally occur between the Ducks and McTavish, so that an agreement could be signed, but the more time passes, the more important the possibility of a transaction could become.

We know that McTavish isn't up for trade, and that the Ducks want to keep him, but if things never get resolved, the pressure could force Anaheim general manager Pat Verbeek to make a move. And in that case, there's obviously one phone call we'd all like to see happen, and that's this one.

McTavish's arrival in Montreal would truly be ideal for the Habs, as he would tick all the boxes of what the Habs are currently looking for, namely a snappy, intense and talented second center.

Still, the 22-year-old forward scored 52 points, including 22 goals, in 76 games last season. In short, there's no movement on the file, and the more time passes, the closer we could get to a miracle, i.e. a trade.

'En

– Not to be missed tonight.

– We're almost there!

– It's a real shame and frustrating.

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