New Insight on Mason McTavish's Future Leaves Door Open for Maple Leafs Speculation
Photo credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
A new report from Eric Stephens of The Athletic shows that the Ducks want to keep Mason McTavish, however a lack of extension still leaves things open for a trad; and Toronto needs to pay attention.
Unless you've been without any type of access to sports news over the last few weeks, you'll know that the Toronto Maple Leafs are searching far and wide for a top-six option to replace Mitch Marner and hopefully give them enough to push through the second round of the playoffs.
Linked to a lot of high-profile names, as well as some pretty solid, if unspectacular players as well, there's no shortage of options for Brad Treliving, he just needs to make sure he makes room for whoever he wants to bring in.
One name that has his name thrown around recently that should interest the Maple Leafs is Anaheim's Mason McTavish.
The Swiss-born winger is an offensive force who can bring a soldi amount of physicality and has the potential to break out as yet another 30+ goal scorer for Toronto.
What the Analyst Revealed About McTavish
But Anaheim would love to keep him, though a new report from Eric Stephens od The Athletic shows that while that's still a possibility, teams have been kicking the tires especially with the lack of progress on an extension:
They want to keep him. They see him as an important part of their lineup. True, the lack of an extension this late into the summer creates wonder and generates discussion. I'm sure teams have asked Verbeek about him.
Knowing how Verbeek operates (an old-school, fierce negotiator) it's not surprising to see that there's no deal yet for McTavish until he is completely certain at what he's going to get out of his young forward.
But if there are teams looking around, then it's clear that the door isn't shut on a potential trade, and the Maple Leafs need to do everything in their power to make a suitable offer for him.
Why the Maple Leafs Could Benefit If Talks Stall
Not only would McTavish inject some much needed youth into the lineup, but the fact that he can bring yet another dynamic scoring presence alongside Auston Matthews, John Tavares, William Nylander and Matthew Knies makes their lineup incredible; and surely good enough to handle things without Mitch Marner.
McTavish, 22, had 52 points in 76 games for the Ducks last season (22 goals, 30 assists) and improved dramatically on defense, going from a minus-23 in 2023-24 to a neutral zero rating in 2024-25.
If Verbeek is going to entertain any offers, then it at least gives the Leafs a chance to present something. Perhaps Easton Cowan, Calle Jarnkrok, and their last first-round pick is something that could entice Anaheim but that's a huge package.
It all depends on if Toronto wants to mortgage their future in Cowan (as in, a real homegrown draft pick) or bring in a potential superstar in McTavish who already has cemented himself in the league (and who can improve under Craig Berube even more).
So if Stephens is to be believed, and the lack of extension is causing Verbeek to start listening to some offers, then maybe Brad Treliving should give him a call and see what it'll take to pry McTavish away from sunny California.
| POLL | ||
AOUT 23 | 1231 ANSWERS New Insight on Mason McTavish's Future Leaves Door Open for Maple Leafs Speculation Will Mason McTavish re-sign with the Anaheim Ducks? | ||
| Yes | 805 | 65.4 % |
| No | 426 | 34.6 % |
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