Kings Ducks Rumors Shape Canadiens Offseason Path

Dennis Bernstein indicated that Scott Laughton would have already signed with the Los Angeles Kings if DJ Smith had been named head coach.

Laughton Situation Delays Kings Decision

Dennis Bernstein stated on June 19 that Scott Laughton liked his time in Los Angeles yet remains unsigned because of coaching uncertainty. The pending unrestricted free agent carries no specified cap figure in current reports but holds value as a versatile forward. The Kings retain interest yet appear willing to let him test the open market after July 1. This hesitation contrasts with earlier expectations that a deal would close quickly once the coaching staff stabilized.

Jason Gregor relayed Bernstein’s assessment that Laughton could explore other offers if the Kings wait too long. The delay leaves the Kings without a confirmed bottom-six piece heading into training camp. Other teams may now view Laughton as a low-risk addition once his market opens. The situation illustrates how coaching stability directly influences contract timing for pending free agents.

Ducks Willingness Creates McTavish Window

Chris Johnston reported that Anaheim remains open to trading forward Mason McTavish due to concerns over skating speed and on-ice awareness. The 23-year-old forward carries a $7 million cap hit through the 2030-31 season and has never posted fewer than 17 goals or 41 points in a season. Those production floors make him an attractive target despite the noted defensive shortcomings. The Ducks appear willing to move him rather than retain a player whose speed profile does not match their long-term vision.

The $7 million annual commitment through 2031 represents a significant long-term obligation that other clubs must weigh against McTavish’s offensive output. Anaheim’s willingness to discuss a deal contrasts with teams that typically protect young core pieces at similar ages. Potential acquiring clubs must therefore balance the $7 million cap burden against the forward’s consistent point totals. This openness creates a rare mid-June trade window before free agency begins.

Canadiens Prioritize Second-Line Center

Eric Engels assessed the Montreal Canadiens’ odds of acquiring a second-line center before July 1 at 50-50 given the thin free-agent pool and sellers’ market conditions. The team views the position as its top priority yet faces limited options once unrestricted free agency opens. Sam Montembeault could be traded to clear additional starts for prospect Jacob Fowler, who would then serve as the primary backup option. Montembeault’s potential departure would also create roster flexibility without immediate goaltending pressure.

Engels noted that the Canadiens do not need to include Kaiden Guhle in any package for a right-shot defenseman because Connor Murphy remains available on the open market. Guhle currently sits on the third pair at a $5.5 million cap hit, yet the rising salary cap reduces immediate financial strain. Moving the young defender solely to fill one hole risks creating another on the blue line. The organization therefore prefers external additions over internal sacrifices.

Kirby Dach carries a $4 million qualifying offer that the Canadiens must decide whether to extend or allow the forward to reach arbitration. Dach’s uncertain future adds another variable to the forward group. Mason McTavish has appeared on the Canadiens’ radar but sits below other targets because of skating and defensive questions. The 23-year-old’s $7 million cap hit through 2031 would consume significant future space. Engels believes the club is more likely to move either Adam Engstrom or David Reinbacher than established defensemen Arber Xhekaj or Jayden Struble. Wingers Mason Marchment and Alexis Lafreniere represent interesting but ultimately outbid options for Montreal.

The combination of the Kings’ Laughton delay and the Ducks’ McTavish availability gives the Canadiens concrete paths to improve their middle-six forward group before July 1.