Breaking Down Latest Mason McTavish, Ducks Trade Rumors Ahead of NHL Draft, Free Agency

Anaheim Ducks center/forward Mason McTavish is once again at the center of trade chatter.

Kevin Weekes of ESPN reported on X that McTavish is garnering plenty of attention and that it would take a "quality hockey trade" to get him away from the organization.

Marco D'Amico added, "Building on this, and absolutely unsurprising, sources have told me that he'd be prime trade bait for a top-four, right-shot defenceman." He continued, "There's potential for a Jacob Trouba return, but in absence of that, it's a position they wish to solidify with John Carlson leaving."

In 75 games this past season, McTavish scored 17 goals and added 24 assists while averaging time on ice of 15:19. In the postseason, he added 10 games, scored once, and assisted five times.

A young player with plenty of upside and under contract through the 2030-31 season, per Puckpedia, it is understandable that there would be considerable interest in acquiring him. He is an excellent puck protector, and his big frame and physical play allow him to fend off opponents.

David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period reported in May that the Toronto Maple Leafs, St. Louis Blues, and Winnipeg Jets, and more expressed interest in the 23-year-old. With the Leafs acquiring Darren Raddysh in a sign-and-trade on Friday, it remains to be seen if Toronto would still be interested.

Regardless of which organization McTavish ends up with, it is in the Ducks' best interest to maximize his potential return, especially if they can get what they want from one of the teams in question. He is playing consistent, quality hockey, enough for him to remain a focal point of teams seeking to upgrade their rosters.

The Ducks are a young organization that made a surprise return to the postseason this year. Trading him and getting pieces that can bolster the roster and provide them depth is the right call.