Mason McTavish remains a focal point in NHL trade discussions, particularly regarding the Anaheim Ducks’ firm stance on his value. As talks intensify, Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek has reportedly established a formidable starting point for negotiations, demanding an elite asset in exchange for the 21-year-old forward.
According to insiders, the Ducks are asking for nothing less than a right-shot, top-four defenseman with the potential to become a cornerstone of a team’s top pairing, setting a high bar for any prospective trade partners.
Unyielding Demand for a Premier Defensive Asset
Sources familiar with the situation confirm that Anaheim’s threshold is steep, effectively eliminating offers based purely on draft picks or prospects. One insider remarked,
“A right-shot, top-four and future top-pairing defenseman would be the starting point from what I know,”
further emphasizing,
“I don’t see him moving for anything less.”
—Source
This approach makes it clear that the Ducks are prioritizing immediate, impactful returns over rebuilding strategies, requiring rival teams to part with high-caliber talent to acquire McTavish.
McTavish’s Rising Value Within the Ducks Organization
Drafted third overall in 2021, Mason McTavish has swiftly solidified his status as a key player for Anaheim. His blend of scoring ability, defensive awareness, and physicality has shone through, yielding 24 goals and 51 points during the 2024-25 season, despite the team’s broader offensive challenges.
For Pat Verbeek, McTavish’s combination of youth and demonstrated production justifies a strict trade stance: the Ducks will only consider moving him for an elite player who can provide immediate NHL impact.
Implications for the NHL Trade Landscape
This tough negotiating position signals that Anaheim is prepared to hold onto McTavish unless a truly compelling offer appears, underscoring the Ducks’ confidence in his future contributions. League executives recognize this as a calculated but stringent strategy, potentially limiting the number of teams willing or able to meet these demands.
The situation creates an intriguing offseason dynamic, with some assessing whether trade calls will progress or stall amid the high price tag.