Mason McTavish contract talks with Pat Verbeek: Long Term or Bridge?
With training camp nearing, the Ducks still have one thing to check off their winter offseason to-do list, and that is to sign 22-year-old center Mason McTavish. The third overall pick in 2021, McTavish has become an integral part of Anaheim's future.
However, a stalemate has occurred in negotiations, with McTavish wanting a long-term deal while Verbeek would prefer a short-term bridge contract. The clock is ticking, and both sides are aware that the outcome could affect how the Ducks move forward, both in the short and long term.
Pat Verbeek
's experience in dealing consistently with
RFA negotiations
Pat Verbeek has earned a league-wide reputation in terms of tough RFA negotiations. "Part of my philosophy is I like to do bridge deals with players," Verbeek said earlier this year.
'It allows the players two things. It allows them to have no pressure to grow and get better before they have the long-term contract.'
This mirrors the former contract battles of Zegras and Drysdale, in which the two agreements happened to be strung out into training camp in 2023-the delay that gave rise to early-season struggles and injuries.
Mason McTavish: Increasing worth, long-term ambition
Reports are saying McTavish's camp is aiming for a longer-term deal with a higher average annual value.
'Pat Verbeek wants a bridge deal, (a) two to three-year deal. McTavish wants a longer deal; he wants more AAV than they're offering,' said Jimmy Murphy.
Should The Habs Pay This Price For Mason McTavish? | The Sick Podcast with Tony Marinaro Aug 7 2025
McTavish's case has been reinforced by steady development: 43 points in his rookie year, 42 in just 64 games during his sophomore year, and 52 last year, all the while with hardly any offensive support from Anaheim. Simultaneously, his defensive play and playmaking have changed to make him a potent two-way player.
Avoiding a costly repeat
Friedman spoke of Anaheim's official line: 'If you want the money, you're going to have to earn it.' Still, the risk goes with delaying discussions into training camp, just as happened with Zegras and Drysdale. With the installation of Joel Quenneville as head coach, McTavish could break out if he signs and hits the ground running right away.
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Meredith Gaudreau and Madeline Gaudreau launch John Gaudreau and Matthew Gaudreau Foundation on Good Morning America
Both the Ducks' rebuild and McTavish's course toward becoming a dominant young center in the league will be affected by the differing philosophies of the McTavish-Verbeek negotiation.
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
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