Mason McTavish proved to be one of the most impactful players in the latter half of the 2024-25 NHL season, establishing himself as a key figure for the Anaheim Ducks. Over 36 games from January 21 through April 16, the third-year center tallied 33 points, projecting him to a remarkable 75 points over an 82-game season. His 27 even-strength points ranked among the top 15 in the league during that stretch, underlining his growing influence on the ice. Given his restricted free agent status this off-season, discussions about McTavish’s future have begun to swirl despite limited concrete developments so far.
Contract Negotiations and Precedents in Anaheim
McTavish’s status as a restricted free agent has already sparked some minor rumblings in trade circles, especially as player transactions tend to slow during the summer months. Historically, Anaheim’s general manager Pat Verbeek has had a pattern of prolonged negotiations with young, high-draft picks. This was seen with Jamie Drysdale and Trevor Zegras, both of whom were unsigned RFAs well into the preseason before signing three-year deals. Both players ultimately were dealt away from Anaheim despite initially extended negotiations. While McTavish’s case has unique factors, this precedent adds an element of uncertainty to the Ducks’ plans with him.
Team Composition and Roster Strategy in Anaheim
Examining Anaheim’s current roster helps explain why there might be openness to trading a young talent like McTavish. The Ducks already have Leo Carlsson, a promising prospect likely to develop into their long-term first-line center. Additionally, the acquisition of veteran Mikael Granlund, who recently signed a three-year contract, provides stability at second-line center. Anaheim also drafted Roger McQueen tenth overall in June, a player projected to become a future center for the team. These factors suggest that while McTavish is valuable, he could face a longer developmental timeline with the Ducks, making him a tradeable asset if the right offer presents itself.
Potential Trade Partners and Fits
Mason McTavish’s skill set, youth, and untapped potential make him an attractive piece for multiple NHL teams. Here is a look at several franchises that could be interested in acquiring him along with possible trade considerations.
Detroit Red Wings Eyeing Offensive Depth
The Detroit Red Wings share a notable connection with Anaheim’s GM Pat Verbeek, as Verbeek previously worked extensively with Detroit GM Steve Yzerman. The Red Wings are still attempting to break a near-decade-long playoff drought and could use a boost down the center. While rookie Marco Kasper had an impressive 19-goal campaign, Detroit needs to build more depth behind captain Dylan Larkin. Anaheim might seek a return that benefits them immediately as they aim to climb the Western Conference standings under new coach Joel Quenneville. One interesting target could be defenseman Axel Sandin Pellikka, the 17th overall pick in 2023 who has excelled playing in Sweden’s top league and offers a valuable right-shot option to Anaheim’s defensive corps.
Carolina Hurricanes Pursuing Second-Line Center Help
The Carolina Hurricanes remain focused on overcoming recent playoff challenges and require a strong second-line center behind Sebastian Aho. If Carolina were to add one of their primary offseason targets, such as Nikolaj Ehlers or defenseman K’Andre Miller, combining that with a rising center like McTavish could dramatically bolster their lineup. The Hurricanes currently have about $10 million in cap space, but assembling a trade package enticing enough to persuade Anaheim would be challenging given how locked-in Carolina’s roster is for the near future.
Vancouver Canucks Looking to Rebuild Their Center Depth
From recent expectations of a strong center duo in Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller, Vancouver has shifted following Miller’s trade to the New York Rangers and a disappointing season from Pettersson. Vancouver’s need for a reliable second-line pivot is dire. Filip Chytil, acquired in the Miller deal, currently fills that role, but sliding McTavish into the second line could revitalize the team’s scoring, pushing Chytil to a deeper line. Vancouver’s limited cap space would make a substantial long-term contract for McTavish a tough fit, but offloading players to clear room could be a feasible solution if the opportunity arises.
Calgary Flames Targeting Young NHL Talent
Often viewed as sellers, the Calgary Flames have shown interest in adding young players entering their prime NHL years, making McTavish a potential target. Calgary also possesses right-shot defenseman Rasmus Andersson, a player frequently mentioned in trade discussions this offseason. With just one year remaining on his contract before becoming a free agent in 2026, Andersson’s long-term future in Calgary is uncertain. A trade to Anaheim could appeal to Andersson, considering the team’s trajectory and the attractive Southern California lifestyle.
Montreal Canadiens Seeking to Fill Center Position
The Montreal Canadiens’ offseason narrative centers around the significant acquisition of defenseman Noah Dobson and a glaring need to strengthen the second-line center position. Montreal retains the assets and cap flexibility to pursue a player like McTavish. However, the Ducks may demand highly valued players in return, such as David Reinbacher, the promising 2023 fifth-overall draft pick who projects as a right-shot top-four defenseman. Despite a severe knee injury last preseason, Reinbacher may be NHL-ready by October, making him a prized asset that might be part of trade discussions for McTavish.
Philadelphia Flyers and Historical Trade Connections
There is a well-established trade relationship between the Anaheim Ducks and Philadelphia Flyers, highlighted by transactions involving Jamie Drysdale and Trevor Zegras. The Flyers, currently rebuilding, need center depth, with captain Sean Couturier potentially shifting to a third-line role. McTavish could seize the opportunity to become Philadelphia’s top-line center. The extensive interest McTavish draws from various teams emphasizes the likelihood that Anaheim would require a compelling, high-value offer to consider trading him.
The Significance of McTavish’s Potential Move
Any development involving Mason McTavish’s trade status will have notable implications across the NHL. For Anaheim, deciding whether to retain a promising young center or leverage his trade value will significantly affect their rebuilding strategy. Teams like Detroit, Carolina, Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal, and Philadelphia represent different priorities and roster needs, each capable of offering assets that catch Anaheim’s attention. The coming months will be crucial as McTavish enters restricted free agency and teams assess their cap space, roster gaps, and willingness to engage in significant transactions.
“” —Jamie Drysdale, player (no direct quote provided)
“” —Elliotte Friedman, NHL Insider