The 2025 NHL offseason could be the year of the offer sheet. There are some intriguing restricted free agents who might be available, and the Montreal Canadiens could use some of their draft capital to make a play. Montreal's prospect pool is deep enough that the draft picks don't mean as much, and they hope their picks will be later in rounds if they continue on their trajectory to contention.
Mason McTavish is emerging as a possible offer sheet candidate, as it's unclear what the direction of the Anaheim Ducks is this offseason. They are one of the teams rumored to take a big swing at players like Mitch Marner, which could price them out of any McTavish deal. If the Canadiens want to do it, they can offer McTavish something substantial and hope the Ducks can't match.
Tony Mariano believes that McTavish would be "just what the doctor ordered," for the Canadiens second-line center role. He also thinks his development path is on the way to becoming a point-per-game player. Craig Button was also on board with the idea and says he'd be the perfect fit. McTavish is the one player that Button would swing for the fences in this year's RFA class.
""He'd be a great fit... He's got a great shot. He's only getting better as time goes on. He's wired to win!""Craig Button
McTavish is still only 22 and has been getting better every season. He started his rookie year with 43 points in 80 games. He played only 64 games in 2023-24, but had 42 points, while increasing that number to 52 in 76 this past season. The point-per-game claim might be a slight stretch, but if you put him on a line with Ivan Demidov, there's no telling how good he can be. The issue for McTavish in Anaheim is a lack of consistent talent around him.
It'd be a shortsighted move for the Ducks to get rid of McTavish. He is just the type of player they need as they try to get out of rebuild mode like the Canadiens. However, they do have an abundance of centers, and could value a winger like Marner, instead.
If the Ducks sit back on their laurels and fail to get McTavish locked up, the Canadiens should attempt a big move.