Red Wings Could Be Dark Horse in Mason McTavish Sweepstakes
As we find ourselves in the middle portion of the summer where there isn't much going on, speculation grows around certain players and unresolved situations. One of the most prominent ones dominating the current news cycle is the Anaheim Ducks and restricted free agent Mason McTavish.
At just 22 years old, he has been one of the few bright spots on a rising Ducks team. He's shown steady improvement, posting a career-best 0.68 points per game last season, finishing with 52 points in 76 games. His numbers were similar to big name centres like Ryan O'Reilly, Brock Boeser and 2025 Conn Smythe trophy winner Sam Bennett. However, with the Ducks shifting into contender mode, McTavish could face a reduced role. The recent addition of Chris Kreider may push him down the lineup, potentially taking over McTavish's spot.
The former third overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft is already proving to be a difference making player and could grow when given the right oppurtunity like he would get with the Detroit Red Wings. Early reports suggest that the team would like to keep the team's second line of Patrick Kane, Marco Kasper and Alex DeBrincat together. This means the top line left wing spot is open for the taking with one lucky player getting the chance to play alongside a pair of superstars in Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond.
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Detroit would love to make a big swing and add a big name in this spot with McTavish being a potential answer. He has seen time at both centre and left wing with the Red Wings having an elite pool of draft capital and prospects that would be able to get a deal done. The Ducks are reportedly only interested in adding NHL-ready talent but the Red Wings could likely present them an offer that they can't refuse.
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Some have suggested a potential package leaving Detroit could feature a first- and second-round pick as well as regular NHLers in J.T. Compher and Jonatan Berggren to round out the group. The Red Wings in return could add a third-round pick alongside McTavish and in the process free up some spots for prospects to come up and find immediate roles while having the top six secured for the future.
Detroit offers everything McTavish could be looking for: a contending team on the rise, a lineup that genuinely needs his skill set, and a larger role than what likely awaits him in Anaheim. On top of that, with over $12 million in cap space, the Red Wings have the flexibility to pay him like a true top-six forward.
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