'Sizeable Gap' Still Plagues Mason McTavish & Ducks Negotiations

Mason McTavish, Anaheim Ducks center, skates during warmup

It certainly sounds like the Anaheim Ducks have no intention of trading Mason McTavish, and every intention of getting him signed. Yet, the restricted free agent is currently in Ottawa skating with the junior 67s, while there still exists a 'sizeable gap' in negotiations on a new contract with Anaheim.

Insider David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period says there's not a lot of optimism right now.

I'm told he plans on continuing his on-ice training in Smith Falls as his agent Pat Morris and Ducks GM Pat Verbeek try to bridge the sizeable gap in negotiations.
According to league sources, McTavish is willing to sign a long-term deal, in the 7- to 8-year range worth in the neighbourhood of $7 million-$8 million per season. The Ducks, however, have pitched a five-year contract worth around $5.5 million per season.
For now, McTavish will stay home.

Yes, that is quite a considerable chasm to bridge.

In his third full NHL season last year, McTavish posted career highs with 22 goals, 30 assists and 52 points in 76 games. His 16:53 average time on ice was also a personal best.

There are plenty of teams around the league that would be drooling to get their hands on McTavish for a second-line center role, but Verbeek is not interested in trading him.

He does, however, want to get him into camp—ASAP.

"It's disappointing that he's not here, obviously," Verbeek said. "Virtually a whole new coaching staff, and the group's really excited like I've never seen before. There's a new system that's getting implemented. There's a lot of things to learn, and it takes a lot of reps to get it under each player's belt. When Mason gets here, he's got a lot of catching up to do."