Elliotte Friedman Sets the Record Straight on Mason McTavish Rumors

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.

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.

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.