Anaheim Ducks Trade Mason McTavish Amidst Contract Disputes

The Anaheim Ducks are poised to trade forward Mason McTavish, according to TSN insider Darren Dreger. McTavish, the third overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft, has been at odds with the team over playing time concerns. The 23-year-old spent significant stretches on the third line and was even a healthy scratch at times. Dreger reported that the Ducks are ready to move on and find a return that better suits their needs. Mason McTavish is entering the second season of a six-year deal carrying a $7 million annual cap hit. The Detroit Red Wings, with their roster flexibility and assets, are among the potential landing spots for McTavish. And with team captain Dylan Larkin recently requesting a trade, the situation in Detroit has become increasingly complicated. But the Red Wings' general manager Steve Yzerman may see McTavish as a key player to build around. So, a potential trade could involve Larkin himself, giving the Ducks a proven center to build around. McTavish brings a physical presence and two-way capability that would fit well in Detroit, with or without Larkin. He has largely settled in as a 40 to 50 point player through his early NHL career, productive but not yet the star many projected when Anaheim selected him third overall five years ago. The Red Wings will need to find a deal that reflects where McTavish is right now while leaving room for the upside that still very much exists. As the NHL summer approaches, the Ducks and Red Wings are expected to be busy, with McTavish's trade being a significant move. McTavish's size, at six-foot-one and 221 pounds, makes him a valuable asset for any team. His ability to play both center and left wing adds to his versatility. The Ducks, meanwhile, are looking to rebuild their roster and find players who fit their system. With McTavish's trade looming, the team will have to find a way to replace his production and fill the void left by his departure.