NHL Trade Rumors: Most Logical Landing Spot For Ducks' Mason McTavish
Anaheim Ducks’ rising centre Mason McTavish remains a restricted free agent this offseason, keeping trade speculation alive.
After a strong second half of the 2024-25 season (33 points in 36 games and a projected 75-point pace over a full season), McTavish has proven he’s more than capable of anchoring a top-six role. Despite the Ducks’ attempts to secure him long-term, there’s talk he could be moved if the right deal arises, especially given Anaheim’s roster balance and the emergence of Leo Carlsson as the team’s 1C.
Mason McTavish: Which NHL Team Makes the Most Sense?
Several teams could be potential landing spots. The Detroit Red Wings make sense thanks to connections between GM Pat Verbeek and Steve Yzerman, and their need for a second-line centre behind Dylan Larkin. While Detroit’s top prospects like Marco Kasper and Axel Sandin Pellikka may not entice Anaheim immediately, a creative package could bridge the gap.
Similarly, the Carolina Hurricanes could use McTavish on their second line, pairing him with Nikolaj Ehlers and possibly leveraging a player like Seth Jarvis in a trade, though cap space and roster composition could limit flexibility.
OH, MASON MCTAVISH!! 🥵
— NHL (@NHL) April 2, 2025
That was absolutely gross. pic.twitter.com/4KHDfm2eEi
Other realistic suitors include the Vancouver Canucks, who could slot McTavish behind Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller (before Miller’s departure) to strengthen their 2C depth, and the Calgary Flames, who may part with a right-shot defenceman like Rasmus Andersson for a young centre with top-six potential.
The Montreal Canadiens also fit, with picks and prospects to offer, but Anaheim may want rostered players rather than draft assets. Finally, the Philadelphia Flyers, familiar trading partners of the Ducks from recent deals involving Jamie Drysdale and Trevor Zegras, could give McTavish an immediate top-line centre role alongside a rebuilding core.
In his final season in OHL Mason McTavish had 20 goals in 29 games + those playoff numbers in Hamilton were wild
— Michael Devellano Pucks & Dreams 🏒 (@pucksanddreams_) August 7, 2025
In the NHL he's trending towards a 4th/5th year breakout -- 70-80 pts not unimaginable
The reports of Anaheim wanting ASP make no sense to me but who knows. They… pic.twitter.com/Wi2YIWZaCR
While multiple teams need a 2C, the most logical landing spots likely involve teams that have both the assets Anaheim wants and a clear need down the middle. Detroit and Philadelphia fit this, due to organizational connections, available pieces, and roster fit.
The Ducks appear willing to trade McTavish only if the return aligns with their playoff aspirations, making any deal highly selective. Ultimately, McTavish’s next team will likely be one that can maximize his offensive potential while giving Anaheim a significant return to strengthen their immediate playoff push.
Photo Credit: Terrence Lee-Imagn Images
