The future of Anaheim Ducks RFA Mason McTavish has been a major talking point this offseason. There have been question marks over whether his future remains in Anaheim. It is continuing to appear that a change of scenery may be in order.
According to Jimmy Murphy, an anonymous NHL exec connected the 22 year old forward to three teams: Detroit, Montreal and Carolina. These teams have the best shot of landing McTavish if the Ducks opt not to extend him.
Detroit appeared to be the name drop with the most traction of the bunch with the relationship between Wings GM Steve Yzerman and Ducks GM Pat Verbeek listed as a big reason why. The addition of McTavish would be an excellent addition to a Wings top 6 that could use another piece.
Montreal makes loads of sense as well from the team’s perspective. With the uncertainty of Kirby Dach’s availability, McTavish being added to the fold would plug a major hole at 2C for that lineup.
The Canes are in a similar situation as Montreal in appearing to fill a need in the second line center position with Jesperi Kotkaniemi currently sloted in that role.
The last option is that McTavish simply stays put in Anaheim. It is strange from the Ducks perspective to ponder moving on from such a promising young forward of this stature. One would think this is a piece you would want to have locked up for the long haul. Anaheim also has the most cap space in the league to work with in getting a deal done. Perhaps an offer sheet may be in order if the player is unhappy in his current environment.
It will be a sight to see what happens with McTavish as the hockey season draws ever nearer. Mason had 22 goals and 30 assists for 52 points in 76 games with the Ducks last season. Over the course of 4 seasons with the club he has registered 60 goals and 80 assists for 140 points in 229 career games.
