Holdup in Ducks' Negotiations With Mason McTavish is Revealed

Are the Anaheim Ducks losing a grip on getting Mason McTavish re-signed? The restricted free agent is a prime offer sheet candidate, and if the Ducks don't act soon, they could be staring down the barrel of a match it or lose him proposition.

McTavish has been called "a name to watch" by insider Frank Seravalli. "I think a change of scenery would be good for him... Some teams have tried to work on what an offer sheet would look like."

McTavish was the Ducks' leading scorer last season with 22 goals. He was also tops on the club in face-off pct. at 50.7%.

So what's the holdup in getting a new contract done? Ben Kuzma of The Vancouver Province has revealed the numbers that are behind the lack of an agreement.

AFP Analytics has McTavish receiving a six-year, $40.6-million US deal that would carry a $6.67 million in annual average value.
Of course, his camp is pushing for more, somewhere between $7 million to $8 million, and hence the impasse.

The 22-year-old, who was the No. 3 overall selection in the 2021 NHL Draft, set career highs this past year with 22 goals, 30 assists and 52 points, all in just 16:53 of average ice time per night.

The most recent, and probably best comp, for McTavish was the recent signing by the Calgary Flames of winger Matt Coronato to a seven-year contract extension with a $6.5 million AAV. He finished his first full NHL season this past year with 24 goals and 47 points. He was selected 10 picks after McTavish in the '21 Draft.

But the Ducks' forward is a center, who has three full years of experience, improving bit by bit each and every season. It does look like his resume calls for a bigger contract than Coronato's.

But Ducks GM Pat Verbeek is funny that way. He does not hand out large, long-term deals easily. And in this case, it could cost him a good, young player.