The Los Angeles Kings are reportedly interested in pending unrestricted free agent Scott Laughton. However, according to Jason Gregor, Laughton may opt to test the free agent market. There’s a sentiment that if DJ Smith had been named head coach, a deal might have already been struck. While Laughton reportedly enjoyed his time with the Kings, his future with the team remains uncertain.
Regarding the Anaheim Ducks, Chris Johnston suggested on The Chris Johnston Show that the team might be open to trading forward Mason McTavish. Potential concerns surrounding McTavish, according to Johnston, include aspects of his skating ability, speed, and on-ice awareness.
In Montreal Canadiens news, Eric Engels of Sportsnet’s mailbag indicates a 50-50 chance the team acquires a second-line center, which is a top priority. However, the free agent market for centers is described as thin, and the current climate is considered a seller’s market.
The potential trade of goaltender Sam Montembeault could open up more playing time for Jacob Fowler. Montembeault might remain as the team’s third goaltender if a trade doesn’t materialize.
Engels does not believe the Canadiens need to include defenseman Kaiden Guhle in a package to acquire a right-handed defenseman. While Guhle is currently on the third pair with a $5.5 million cap hit, the rising salary cap and ample financial flexibility mean his contract shouldn’t be an immediate obstacle. Though not untouchable, trading him to fill one positional need could create another.
Kirby Dach’s future with the team is also uncertain. He is owed a $4 million qualifying offer, and the Canadiens may consider moving him. The exact value he could command in a trade is unclear.
Mason McTavish has been on the Canadiens’ radar. The 23-year-old has a significant cap hit of $7 million through 2031 and has consistently scored at least 17 goals and 41 points. However, concerns about his skating and defensive game mean he might not be their primary target.
It is considered more likely that either Adam Engstrom or David Reinbacher would be traded rather than Arber Xhekaj or Jayden Struble.
While wingers Mason Marchment and Alexis Lafreniere could be interesting acquisitions for the Canadiens, it’s believed other teams would likely outbid them.
English Translation:
NHL Rumors: Los Angeles Kings, Anaheim Ducks, and the Montreal Canadiens
The LA Kings like Scott Laughton, but he might test the market
Jason Gregor reports that Dennis Bernstein discussed pending UFA Scott Laughton and the Los Angeles Kings. Bernstein stated, “I think if DJ Smith was named head coach, he would have signed already. They still might sign him. I know he liked it here, but at this point I think he could test the market.”
Why are the Anaheim Ducks open to trading Mason McTavish?
NHL Watcher relays information from Chris Johnston on The Chris Johnston Show regarding the Anaheim Ducks’ openness to trading forward Mason McTavish. Johnston explained, “I think some of the concerns or issues in Anaheim with him were, maybe a little bit of concern with his skating ability, his speed or lack thereof, he’s not always the most aware on the ice.”
Montreal Canadiens musings
Eric Engels of Sportsnet, in his mailbag, assesses the likelihood of the Montreal Canadiens acquiring a second-line center at 50-50. This position is a top priority, but the free agent market is sparse, and the current market is favorable to sellers.
If the Canadiens manage to trade goaltender Sam Montembeault, it would create more playing opportunities for Jacob Fowler. Montembeault could potentially serve as their third goaltender if he is not moved.
Engels does not believe the Canadiens need to trade defenseman Kaiden Guhle as part of a package for a right-handed defenseman. While there are right-handed free agents available, such as Connor Murphy, Guhle’s current $5.5 million cap hit on the third pairing is manageable with the rising salary cap. Moving Guhle to address one need might inadvertently create another.
Kirby Dach is owed a $4 million qualifying offer, and his future with the team remains uncertain. He could accept the offer, reject it and head to arbitration, or be traded. The extent of his trade value is currently unclear.
Mason McTavish has been on the Canadiens’ radar. The 23-year-old forward carries a $7 million cap hit through 2031 and has consistently produced at least 17 goals and 41 points. However, concerns about his skating and defensive game suggest he might not be their highest priority.
There is a greater probability that either Adam Engstrom or David Reinbacher could be traded compared to Arber Xhekaj or Jayden Struble.
Wingers Mason Marchment and Alexis Lafreniere would be intriguing options for the Canadiens, but it is anticipated that other teams would outbid them.
