The McTavish Conundrum: Will the Ducks Pay Up or Ship Him Out?

0 Diana khan September 08, 2025

The Anaheim Ducks are at a crossroads, and the man in the middle is none other than their young, dynamic center, Mason McTavish. As trade rumors swirl, with teams like the Montreal Canadiens and Vancouver Canucks reportedly circling, the question on every Ducks fan’s mind is simple: will he be re-signed or will he be traded?

The situation is more complex than a simple “yes” or “no.” On one hand, Ducks GM Pat Verbeek is known for his hardball negotiation tactics. He’s not one to shy away from a contract standoff, and he won’t be bullied into a deal that doesn’t favor the team in the long run. On the other hand, the Ducks are a team on the rise, and they can’t afford to lose a player of McTavish’s caliber, especially with a playoff push on the horizon.

A High-Stakes Game of Contract Chicken

So, what’s the holdup? It all comes down to the money. McTavish is a restricted free agent, and his camp is looking for a deal that reflects his status as a cornerstone of the franchise. AFP Analytics projects a six-year deal could be worth around $6.772 million annually, while a shorter, three-year bridge deal could come in at a more palatable $3.983 million. The Ducks, however, will be looking to the Quinton Byfield extension with the Los Angeles Kings as a comparable, which carries a $6.25 million AAV over five years.

The smart money is on McTavish staying in Anaheim. Verbeek may be a tough negotiator, but he’s also a shrewd GM who understands the importance of keeping his young core intact. A trade is always a possibility, but it’s a risky move that could set the franchise back. The most likely scenario is a long-term deal that buys out some of McTavish’s unrestricted free agent years and keeps him in a Ducks uniform for the foreseeable future. Expect a deal to get done, but don’t be surprised if it goes down to the wire. The Anaheim Ducks need McTavish, and they know it.