The Anaheim Ducks have had an fascinating offseason. Basic Supervisor Pat Verbeek was lastly capable of commerce Trevor Zegras and goaltender John Gibson. Each gamers had been in trade talks and rumours for the final couple of years. Then shortly thereafter, Verbeek was capable of signal Lukas Dostal and Drew Helleson to new contracts. However the final order of enterprise has been the trickiest as restricted free agent Mason McTavish has but to signal a deal.
The younger ahead for the Geese had a profession season, recording 52 factors (22 objectives and 30 assists) in 76 video games. In whole, in 229 regular-season video games with Anaheim, he has recorded 140 factors (60 objectives and 80 assists). Every season, he has proven progress, however the longer this drags out, many will marvel if Verbeek views McTavish as one in all his personal. We’re all conversant in the state of affairs involving Trevor Zegras and Jamie Drysdale.
These contracts dragged on proper earlier than the season, with each gamers lacking coaching camp. Each gamers struggled that yr and at the moment are with the Flyers. The Geese can’t afford that with McTavish given Joel Quenneville is the bench boss this season. Verbeek believes in his crew and that they will make the playoffs subsequent season. Whether or not that’s the case, we are going to discover out, but when Anaheim desires any shot, they want Mason McTavish in camp.
McTavish is coming off his entry-level deal, which carried a wage cap hit of $ 925,000. He’s searching for a rise. His play as a centerman was a contributing issue to Zegras being despatched to Philadelphia. Having Leo Carlsson and McTavish one-two down the center offers the Geese an opportunity to develop collectively. With McTavish needing a wage bump and Zegras eager to play heart, it was a simple transfer: transfer Zegras out after which signal McTavish. However the second half has but to occur.
NHL Rumors: The Anaheim Geese Are Not Completed This Offseason
In June, on the 100 percent Hockey Podcast with Darren Millard and John Shannon, Verbeek said he had not but spoken with McTavish’s agent a few new contract. They had been speaking. Many would hope, by now, given McTavish’s play, that no less than preliminary numbers have been mentioned. So what’s the concern right here?
McTavish’s underlying numbers are wonderful, and he’s a top-six offensive ahead on Anaheim. Except Pat Verbeek desires to shake up the core, it doesn’t make sense to commerce McTavish. However as one supply indicated to NHLRumors.com, “has something Verbeek performed made sense in Anaheim?”
If Mason McTavish from the Anaheim Geese is really obtainable, each crew ought to attempt to purchase him in fact. Nonetheless solely 22 years outdated & already a TOP6 offensive ahead. Nevertheless, I don’t see why Anaheim would commerce McTavish. pic.twitter.com/LbKc2dA9hQ
— Rono (@RonoAnalyst) July 18, 2025
As Dave McCarthy of NHL.com and Sirius XM NHL Network Radio tweeted, citing feedback made by Ryan Strome about McTavish staying in Anaheim, Strome’s perception was that it was going to get performed.
“He’ll (get contract settled), He’s a hell of a participant…Hopefully that’s resolved quickly. However I’ve little doubt, I feel it’s an important match Anaheim & him. He suits in nice to what we try to do and achieve. He’s an enormous a part of it.”
NHL Rumors: What’s subsequent for the Anaheim Geese?
So if the gamers need McTavish there, his numbers show he ought to get a increase, then why the delay? The Anaheim Ducks have the cap area. They’ve $21,388,812, courtesy of PuckPedia.com. That’s with them carrying three goalies. So any offer sheet that is presented to Mason McTavish, the Geese will match. Except the provide is one thing they should contemplate.
Keep in mind, any provide sheet between $7.02 million and $9.36 million requires compensation of a primary, second, and third-round choose. A contract within the vary of $9.36 million to $11.7 million is equal to 2 first-round picks, a second-round choose, and a third-round choose. Over $11.7 million, the compensation is 4 first-round picks.
So, groups that need to signal or provide McTavish a contract might probably be giving up a first-round choose within the 2026 NHL Draft. That, in fact, is the Gavin McKenna draft, so there’s a probability that if McTavish had been to get a suggestion sheet, it will be much like what both Dylan Holloway or Philip Broberg bought from the St. Louis Blues final yr.
There is considerable trade speculation surrounding whether or not McTavish will likely be moved as Verbeek continues to reshape the roster. Except these two events are means off in numbers, there isn’t a cause why this shouldn’t be performed. The longer this drags on, the longer the commerce hypothesis persists. And even after McTavish is signed, which may not go away.
NHL Rumors: Jared McCann and Mason McTavish
Although the NHL offseason has hit the summer season lull, crucial factor for the Anaheim Ducks to do is get Mason McTavish signed. Not solely is it their final order of enterprise, but it surely additionally prevents any crew within the NHL from probably providing him a gorgeous contract, leaving the Anaheim Ducks to wonder why he would want to go.
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