4 Teams Linked To Ducks' McTavish

It seems possible that the Anaheim Ducks could trade Mason McTavish at one point due to who they have drafted and his potential role in the future. He is a good, young player that any team would love to have as their second line center. Given he's only 22 years old and already making the impact he is, first line center is far from out of the question. According to David Pagnotta, there are four intriguing teams who have been linked to McTavish.

Buffalo Sabres

The Buffalo Sabres are still looking to upgrade their forward unit because they did the opposite this offseason when the team traded JJ Peterka and got back Josh Doan at forward. Bringing in McTavish would definitely put the Sabres into serious contention to make the playoffs as he scores, produces offensively, hits, wins faceoffs, and isn't bad defensively. It would allow the Sabres to keep Tage Thomson on the wing and shift Ryan Mcleod down to the third line to really deepen that center group.

Montreal Canadiens

The Montreal Canadiens may be one of the teams most in need of a top-6 center. Nick Suzuki is a very good one already, but there have been multiple players tried at second line center with no success. Kirby Dach's health can't be trusted while it is too high in the lineup for Jake Evans or Alex Newhook to handle. Center prospects like Owen Beck and Michael Hage are also not ready for that role yet. McTavish would be an excellent pickup for the second line, the Canadiens are competitive, and he would get more playing time without being contested. The Habs have enough resources to acquire him too.

Calgary Flames

The Calgary Flames are on the cusp of getting this group to the playoffs, but the biggest need is a top-6 center. Nazem Kadri is good, but he's not a top first line center in the NHL and is older. Michael Backlund should also not be playing second line center as he would perform much better as the third line center. As for Morgan Frost, it has been proven more often than not that he can't handle the full responsibilities of the second line. There are no center reinforcements on the way and Backlund is in the final year of his deal while being 36 years old. The time to upgrade is now and McTavish would make a huge difference in that lineup.

Philadelphia Flyers

The Philadelphia Flyers, without a doubt, need multiple forward upgrades. The projected lines have both Anthony Richard and Rodrigo Abols as everyday players in the middle-6. Whether it is a free agent or a trade, established forwards need to be added. Seeing how the center position is one of weakness for the Flyers, McTavish makes a lot of sense. Trevor Zegras could easily once again shift over to the wing and even just adding McTavish would change the complexion of that forward group and make them more competitive. They aren't ready just yet, but this big time addition would accelerate them.