The Toronto Maple Leafs are actively seeking to strengthen their offensive lineup after the departure of star forward Mitch Marner. In an effort to fill this gap, the team has proposed a bold trade to acquire young talent Mason McTavish from the Anaheim Ducks, aiming to restore the scoring depth lost with Marner’s exit.
Details of the Proposed Trade to Acquire McTavish
According to a report from Heavy.com, the suggested trade would have the Maple Leafs sending a package to the Ducks that includes a top prospect, a third-round draft pick, and NHL forward Max Domi. McTavish, currently a restricted free agent (RFA), is viewed as a high-value player capable of immediately contributing to Toronto’s lineup.
Mason McTavish scored 22 goals and tallied 30 assists for a total of 52 points in 76 games last season. His skill set and youth provide a promising option to fill the second-line left wing spot, bringing both energy and offensive production to the team. The trade proposal signals Toronto’s intent to make a significant move in their roster strategy following Marner’s trade.
How Adding McTavish Could Alter Toronto’s Lineup Dynamics
The acquisition of McTavish would address the critical void left by Marner, who contributed an impressive 102 points last season. General Manager Brad Treliving has underlined the importance of finding a suitable replacement for Marner’s offensive firepower.
“When a player of Mitch’s magnitude moves away, that’s never a fun day,” Treliving said. “But we were able to recoup a player who I think can really help us… We haven’t replaced that hole. That’s really where our focus is.” —Brad Treliving, Toronto Maple Leafs General Manager
To facilitate acquiring McTavish, the Maple Leafs would likely trade Max Domi, whose contract has three years remaining at $15 million total. Domi contributed 8 goals and 25 assists for 33 points in 74 games last season, making him a feasible asset to include in trade negotiations alongside a draft pick and a top prospect known as Cowan. Anaheim may view Cowan as a promising addition to their young core of players.
Obstacles the Maple Leafs Face in Securing McTavish
Despite the appeal of McTavish as a target, the trade involves complications. NHL insider Marco D’Amico has indicated that McTavish does not wish to leave Anaheim at this time. Furthermore, general managers league-wide remain cautious about exchanging 2026 first-round draft picks, particularly given the high expectations for the upcoming draft class.
“McTavish doesn’t want to leave Anaheim,” a source stated. —Marco D’Amico, NHL Insider
In addition, the Ducks have a reputation for patience when handling restricted free agents, which makes the prospect of negotiating a trade for McTavish more difficult. While some NHL teams may consider offering lucrative offer sheets as a means to pressure Anaheim, the Ducks’ strategic stance complicates any potential deals.
What the Future Holds for Toronto’s Roster and Offensive Strategy
As the Maple Leafs adjust to the loss of Mitch Marner, their pursuit of Mason McTavish highlights a clear priority: to quickly fill the offensive gap with a young, dynamic player. If successful, this acquisition would provide not only immediate scoring support but also build toward a more youthful and balanced forward group.
The ongoing trade discussions reflect the volatile nature of NHL transactions, where team needs, player preferences, and draft capital all intersect. Toronto’s readiness to move significant assets like Max Domi and top prospects underscores their commitment to maintaining competitiveness despite a challenging offseason.
Profile and Trade Considerations Surrounding Mason McTavish
Mason McTavish is a promising forward with the Anaheim Ducks renowned for his goal-scoring and playmaking abilities. His youth and production make him a sought-after asset for teams looking to bolster their offensive capabilities.
The proposed trade would require the Maple Leafs to part with a top prospect, a third-round draft pick, and Max Domi, balancing immediate roster needs against future developmental potential.
McTavish’s desire to remain in Anaheim complicates trade talks, making it uncertain whether Toronto’s ambitions to secure him will materialize despite their clear need for his skill set after Mitch Marner’s departure.