Why Teams Eye Mason McTavish Amid Ducks Contract Crunch

Mason McTavish, the 23-year-old Anaheim Ducks center on a six-year extension signed last September, has drawn interest from teams seeking middle-six help after multiple scratches this season.

McTavish Season and Development Path

McTavish appeared in the Ducks’ first playoff run in years but found himself scratched twice during the regular season and again in the postseason. The Ducks finished with a record that placed them in the postseason, signaling a team on the rise under their current roster construction.

At 23, McTavish remains a young player whose top draft pedigree continues to attract attention despite the scratches. Chris Johnston noted on The Chris Johnston Show that McTavish fits the profile of a player teams believe can deliver more with additional opportunities in a new system.

Johnston described McTavish as a hockey nut who stays on the ice longer than most during morning skates, addressing prior skating concerns through dedicated work rather than lack of effort.

Teams view his current contract, signed in the pre-2026 youth contract wave, as likely to provide value over its remaining term as he takes further steps forward.

Ducks Contract Pressures and Roster Needs

Anaheim must address several large extensions this offseason, starting with Leo Carlsson who Johnston said could command around 14 million dollars annually. Cutter Gauthier also requires a new deal, adding to the cap commitments alongside other youth movement players.

The Ducks signed McTavish to the six-year extension without immediate pressure to move him, yet the combination of these upcoming contracts creates a potential window to address other roster needs through a trade.

Johnston emphasized that Anaheim does not have to act but could explore options given the money committed to Carlsson and similar players like Connor Bedard and Macklin Celebrini in the broader market.

Veterans such as Mikhail Granlund currently serve as placeholders while the young core develops, leaving room for a second-line center role that McTavish has been projected to fill long term.

League-Wide Interest and Possible Fits

Johnston confirmed multiple teams have inquired about McTavish, viewing him as more than a reclamation project but as a player with untapped potential from his early draft status.

Calgary Flames executive discussions highlighted McTavish as a fit for their need of a 23-year-old impact center who could slot into a top-six role immediately.

The thin free-agent center market this summer further elevates McTavish’s appeal, as acquiring him now avoids the July 1 bidding war that could inflate prices for similar profiles.

Johnston stated he would not be surprised if McTavish stays in Anaheim but acknowledged that external interest could intensify if the Ducks decide to move him to balance their books.

Mason McTavish remains an intriguing name for contenders and rebuilding clubs alike as the 2026 offseason approaches.