As the 2025-26 NHL season nears, trade speculation surrounds Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish due to ongoing contract negotiation challenges. The Montreal Canadiens, Detroit Red Wings, and Carolina Hurricanes have all been identified as leading candidates to pursue a trade for McTavish if the Ducks and the player’s camp cannot finalize a long-term agreement.
Overview of Mason McTavish’s Career and Draft Status
Mason McTavish was born in Zurich, Switzerland, but grew up in Pembroke, Ontario. His father, Dale McTavish, had a brief NHL career, playing nine games with the Calgary Flames during the 1996-97 season. Mason was selected third overall in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, following Buffalo Sabres defenseman Owen Power and Seattle Kraken center Matty Beniers. Expectations for McTavish when drafted centered on his future as a power forward capable of playing in the top six for the Ducks.
Despite these expectations, negotiations between McTavish’s representative, Patrick Morris of Newport Sports Management, and Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek have yet to produce a contract extension, fueling speculation about McTavish’s future with Anaheim.
Performance Highlights from the 2024-25 Season
During the 2024-25 season, McTavish appeared in 76 games, recording 22 goals and 30 assists, totaling 52 points. His statistics include 38 penalty minutes and 12 power-play points. McTavish contributed notably with two game-winning goals and demonstrated strong faceoff skills, winning 487 faceoffs along with a physical presence reflected in 70 hits and 31 blocked shots.
One of McTavish’s significant moments came on March 28, when he scored a game-winning goal at 59 seconds into overtime against the New York Rangers. Defenseman Jackson LaCombe and left winger Cutter Gauthier assisted on that goal. He also secured another game-winner on April 7 in a 3-2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers, assisted by Trevor Zegras.
Montreal Canadiens’ Urgent Need for a Strong Center
The Canadiens have been seeking to bolster their center position since losing Christian Dvorak to the Philadelphia Flyers in free agency. Currently, Montreal relies on Kirby Dach or Joe Veleno as their second-line center options, but both fall short of the impact McTavish could provide. Adding McTavish would be considered a significant upgrade compared to their current depth down the middle.
Carolina Hurricanes’ Push for Enhanced Offensive Depth
The Hurricanes boast a highly effective first line featuring Sebastian Aho, Nikolaj Ehlers, and Andrei Svechnikov. However, their second line center position remains less certain, with Seth Jarvis currently filling the role despite being better suited as a winger. Securing a player of McTavish’s caliber would add scoring and physicality to Carolina’s lineup, potentially elevating their chances in playoff contention.
Detroit Red Wings’ Interest in Strengthening Top-Six Forwards
Detroit’s second line center spot is held by Austrian Marco Kasper, who tallied 37 points last year but may lack the same impact as McTavish. The Red Wings could have an edge over Montreal and Carolina during negotiations because Ducks GM Pat Verbeek shares a longstanding relationship with Detroit’s executive vice-president and general manager Steve Yzerman, having played together previously. Acquiring McTavish would add valuable top-six depth necessary for Detroit as they aim to return to the NHL playoffs.
The unfolding trade rumors involving Mason McTavish underline the broader challenges restricted free agents face when waiting for contract agreements. Should talks fail, a trade could reshape the rosters of Montreal, Carolina, or Detroit, each team poised to benefit from McTavish’s skill set and potential leadership on the ice. Fans and analysts will closely monitor developments as the NHL offseason advances.