The Anaheim Ducks have been active this offseason, pulling off key moves like trading Trevor Zegras and goaltender John Gibson, while also signing Lukas Dostal and Drew Helleson. Yet one significant task remains unresolved: Restricted free agent Mason McTavish still doesn’t have a new contract.
McTavish, 22, is coming off a career-best 52-point campaign (22 goals, 30 assists) in 76 games. With 140 points over 229 career NHL games, he’s become a vital part of Anaheim’s top-six. Despite his upward trajectory, the Ducks’ front office hasn’t reached an agreement with the young forward—fueling speculation over his long-term role under GM Pat Verbeek.
“He will (get contract settled), He’s a hell of a player…Hopefully that is resolved soon. But I have no doubt, I think it’s a great fit Anaheim & him,” Ducks forward Ryan Strome told NHL.com’s Dave McCarthy. “He fits in great to what we are trying to do and accomplish. He’s a big part of it.”
What’s holding up the McTavish deal?
While McTavish is reportedly seeking a raise after completing his entry-level deal ($925,000 cap hit), it’s unclear why negotiations remain stalled. On the 100% Hockey Podcast in June, Pat Verbeek told Darren Millard and John Shannon that talks with McTavish’s agent had only just started—an eyebrow-raising admission considering McTavish’s importance to the team.
The Ducks have over $21 million in cap space according to PuckPedia, so money doesn’t appear to be the issue. Still, as one NHLRumors.com source noted: “Has anything Verbeek done made sense in Anaheim?” The longer negotiations drag out, the more doubt it casts on Verbeek’s trust in McTavish as part of his long-term core.
Could McTavish become a trade or offer sheet target?
With Auston Matthews’ Maple Leafs, the New York Rangers, and the Montreal Canadiens reportedly keeping tabs, McTavish has become a potential offer sheet candidate. Any offer in the $7–9.3 million range would cost a team a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd-round pick—while higher tiers escalate that compensation significantly. Anaheim is likely to match any realistic offer, but the risk remains if a team decides to get aggressive.
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Moreover, trade chatter isn’t going away. With Zegras and Drysdale already moved, some wonder if Verbeek is open to reshaping the roster further—even at the expense of a breakout star. Unless the gap between McTavish’s camp and the Ducks is wider than expected, this delay risks becoming a major offseason misstep