The Anaheim Ducks had an interesting offseason. General Manager Pat Verbeek is finally able to trade Trevor Zegras and goalkeeper John Gibson. Both players have participated in trade negotiations and rumors over the past few years. Then soon Verbeek was able to sign Lukas Dostal and attracted Helleson to sign a new contract. However, the final business order is the trickiest, as restricted free agent Mason McTavish has not signed the deal yet.
NHL Rumor: What’s next for Anaheim Ducks?
The Ducks’ young forwards had a professional season, scoring 52 points (22 goals and 30 assists) in 76 games. In his 229 regular season games against Anaheim, he scored a total of 140 points (60 goals and 80 assists). Every season, he showed improvement, but the longer he delayed, many people would wonder if verbeek saw McTavish as a member of himself. We are all familiar with the situation involving Trevor Zegras and Jamie Drysdale.
Those contracts were dragged down before the season, with both players missing training camps. Both players of that year were struggling and are now with the flyer. Given that Joel Quenneville is the backup owner this season, the Ducks can’t afford McTavish. Verbeek believes in his team that they can make the playoffs next season. Whether that’s the case, we’ll find out, but if Anaheim wants any shots, they need Mason McTavish in the camp.
McTavish achieved results in an entry-level deal with a salary cap of $925,000. He is looking for an increase. His game as the center was a contributing factor to the Zegras sent to Philadelphia. Let Leo and McTavish be in one or two in the middle, and the duck has the chance to grow together. Since McTavish needs a salary bump and a Zegra who wants to play, it’s an easy move: move the Zegras out and sign McTavish. But the second part has not happened yet.
NHL Rumor: Anaheim Ducks aren’t over in offseason
In June, Verbeek said in a 100% hockey podcast with Darren Millard and John Shannon that he has not spoken about the new contract with McTavish’s agent. They are talking. Given Mctavish’s play, many hope that at least the original numbers have been discussed. So what’s the problem here?
McTavish’s base numbers are excellent, he is Anaheim’s top six offensive forward. Unless Pat Verbeek wants to change the core, trading McTavish is meaningless. But, as one source pointed out on nhlrumors.com, “Is it meaningful that Anaheim makes sense?”
If Mason McTavish from the Anaheim Ducks does work, then each team should of course try to get him. Still only 22 years old, it is already in the top 6 offensive. But, I don’t know why Anaheim trades McVish. pic.twitter.com/lbkc2da9hq
— Rono (@RonoAnalyst) July 18, 2025
As NHL.com’s Dave McCarthy and Sirius XM NHL Network radio tweeted, quoting Ryan Strome’s comment about McTavish staying at Anaheim, Strome’s belief is that it will be done.
“He will (contract), he’s a hell for a player…hopefully it’s settled soon. But I have no doubt that I think it’s a very suitable Anaheim & him. He’s a perfect fit for what we’re trying to do and accomplish. He’s a big part of that.”
So if the player wants to be there McVish and his number proves that he should have a raise, why delay? Anaheim duck has room for hats. They have $21,388,812, provided by puckpedia.com. That is they carry three goalkeepers. So any quotes submitted to Mason McTavish will match. Unless the offer is something they need to consider.
NHL Rumors: Jared McCann and Mason McTavish
Remember that any offer between $7.02 million and $9.36 million will require compensation for first, second and third round picks. A contract between $9.36 million and $11.7 million is equivalent to two first-round picks, second-round picks and third-round picks. More than $11.7 million in compensation are four first-round draft picks.
Therefore, teams that want to sign or offer contracts may give up their first-round picks in the 2026 NHL draft. Of course, that was Gavin McKenna’s draft, so if McTavish gets the offer, it would be similar to what Dylan Holloway or Philip Broberg gets from St. Louis Blues.
have Revolve around whether McTavish will be moved as Verbeek continues to reshape the lineup. Unless the two sides are different in numbers, there is no reason why they should not do so. The longer the delay, the longer the trade speculation lasts. Even if Mctavish is signed, this may not go away.
Although the NHL offseason has broken the summer calm, the most important thing for the Anaheim Ducks is to sign Mason McTavish. Not only is this their last business order, but It also prevents any team in the NHL from offering him attractive contractslet Anaheim Duck wonder why he was going.
Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? Rumor reviews and hot topics across the league. We also posted some content on Instagram.
