The Anaheim Ducks have yet to make any progress on restricted free agent (RFA) Mason McTavish’s extension. However, Joel Quenneville’s organization has inked another promising youngster in its ranks ahead of the 2025-26 NHL season.
Obviously, reaching an agreement with McTavish is atop the list of priorities in Anaheim during the summer. Still, the Ducks’ confidence isn’t wavering. They believe it’s only a matter of time before the 22-year-old puts pen to paper in Orange County.
In the meantime, the Ducks are taking other relevant tasks out of the way. This time, the organization has agreed on an extension with right-winger Sam Colangelo. Anaheim selected him with a second-round pick in the 2020 NHL entry Draft.
As reported by PuckPedia, the Ducks have signed Colangelo to a two-year, $1.7 million extension. The 23-year-old will earn an average salary of $850k. However, during the upcoming season the deal will be a two-way contract. Thus, Colangelo—who played 32 games in the NHL last year—could be sent to the AHL’s affiliate, the San Diego Gulls.
Mason McTavish #23 of the Anaheim Ducks skates to a puck during the second period of a game against the Minnesota Wild at Honda Center on March 19, 2024 in Anaheim, California.
Stats
Colangelo’s sample size in the big leagues is still relatively small and might not be enough for Anaheim to make a final statement on the young talent. Therefore, the organization chose to re-sign him to a cap-friendly, two-way deal.
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Colangelo is coming off a productive campaign, nevertheless. He recorded 12 points in his NHL rookie year, including a career-highlight two-goal game against the New York Islanders on March 9. However, the Massachusetts native registered his best moments in the AHL, where he put up 40 points (22G and 18P) in 42 outings.
The Ducks envision Colangelo continuing his development toward becoming an NHL regular, with most of his time spent in San Diego but occasional stints in Anaheim.
Sam Colangelo #64 of the Anaheim Ducks skates during the second period of a game against the Ottawa Senators at Honda Center on December 1, 2024 in Anaheim, California.
Last one left
After Colangelo agreed to terms with the Ducks, McTavish is the only restricted free agent left in Anaheim ahead of next season. Now, the organization will allocate all of its resources and attention into making ends meet with the talented center, who is coming off a career-best 52-point year.
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While several NHL teams appear interested in acquiring McTavish, neither he nor the Ducks seem inclined to part ways. As such, it appears to be a matter of when, not if. Still, with every passing minute he remains unsigned, the suspense and speculation only grow.
