Most Likely Outcome With McTavish & Ducks

Mason McTavish is one of the top remaining RFAs and there has been quite a bit of trade speculation surrounding him as the team has centers like Leo Carlsson and Roger McQueen on the team and in the organization. But McTavish is far from a player that the Anaheim Ducks should just be moving.

McTavish is only 22 years old and finished first on the Ducks in goals (22) and second in points (52) last season in 76 games. An issue he may have is that he didn't get the playing time he should have, which I would agree. He should absolutely be a top-6 center on the Ducks and nowhere lower. He played just under 17 minutes per game last season and McTavish was one of the leaders, so that ice time has to shoot up.

The Ducks are pretty deep at forward now, particularly in the top-9, but Ryan Strome, who could be the third line center now, should start to play less as he declines and McTavish improves. According to Anthony Di Marco, "I don't think the Ducks will move McTavish. My best guess is that a bridge deal ultimately gets done."

A bridge deal could be anywhere from 2-4 years, but the Ducks would be happy with anything to get their young star signed and back with the team for next season. They aren't taking another step forward if he's taken out of the lineup or moved and there's no immediate threat of McQueen being able to handle a top-6 role or if he'll even settle as a center.

The Ducks took a big step last season and added players like Mikael Granlund, Chris Kreider, Ryan Poehling, and Petr Mrazek to the mix, so they are looking to get back into the playoffs after missing for seven consecutive seasons. Anaheim has over $20 million in cap space, so the team can give McTavish a good deal that he deserves. It makes the most sense for a deal to eventually get done even though many teams are interested in acquiring him.

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