Surprise Offseason Name to Watch Emerges as Trade Buzz Builds, per Insider
Photo credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
NHL Insider Frank Seravalli added another name to the trade rumor mill on Tuesday, adding San Jose Sharks star Mason McTavish as a name to keep an eye on.
While news has died down a bit in terms of the big signings and trades this summer, some brand new information shows that things could be heating up shortly.
What Frank Seravalli said about Mason McTavish
Speaking on Bleacher Report's Open Ice program, Seravalli explained that McTavish was a name to keep an eye on:
He's one name to watch for me moving forward. I think it's been a tough go for McTavish in Anaheim.
I view McTavish, I don't know if mental standpoint or body language...but he's a guy who's a really solid player that has been beaten down by a lot of losses.
I find that's similar to Trevor Zegras. I think a change of scenery would be good for him, I think there's a lot of teams interested.
I think some teams are working on what an offer sheet might look like for McTavish, which will be a struggle much like the Zegras contract.
I don't think there's anyway the Ducks won't be able to match an offer sheet if teams go that route, but Mason McTavish, he's a name to keep an eye on.
I view McTavish, I don't know if mental standpoint or body language...but he's a guy who's a really solid player that has been beaten down by a lot of losses.
I find that's similar to Trevor Zegras. I think a change of scenery would be good for him, I think there's a lot of teams interested.
I think some teams are working on what an offer sheet might look like for McTavish, which will be a struggle much like the Zegras contract.
I don't think there's anyway the Ducks won't be able to match an offer sheet if teams go that route, but Mason McTavish, he's a name to keep an eye on.
Who is Mason McTavish and why is he a trade target?
McTavish, 22, is a young power forward who has the potential to be one of the league's best in a few years.
He's 6'1, 219 pounds and is continuing to gain not only strength but the mentality to use his frame to disrupt opponents. Steadily increasing his hits and continuing to win tons of faceoffs; there's only room to grow.
In 76 games with the Ducks last season, he put up career highs in goals, assists and points (22 goals, 30 assists, 52 points) and managed to drastically decrease his penalty minutes; a positive sign for any team.
He's a trade target due to his youth, immense potential, premium position as a center, and the fact he's just really, really good. He makes any team better, and him being stuck in Anaheim is frankly, a bit of a waste.
Why Toronto should watch closely
Brad Treliving isn't shy about his desire to add a top-six forward and if he can get his hands on McTavish somehow, then my goodness what a top-six.
If Toronto believes Matias Maccelli is the new Mitch Marner, then McTavish on a line with John Tavares and William Nylander could give the team an unbelievable boost.
That second line lacks a true power forward, and with him only getting better, playing with the elite talent the Leafs have will only get him there quicker.
Plus, they are in win-now mode, and lacking a true punch up front is only going to shorten their already tight window so the chance to acquire him, regardless of cost is too enticing to pass up.
What this means for the trade market this summer
First off, it means that anything can happen. It's not often you see former 3rd overall picks who are coming off career-highs traded but it's certainly possible.
The market has been furious in recent weeks with names like Nazem Kadri, Jordan Kyrou, Jared McCann, Brayden Schenn, Erik Karlsson, Rasmus Andersson, Morgan Rielly, Dougie Hamilton, and even Sidney Crosby in the mix.
Any one of those deals would blow up the NHL no doubt, and if McTavish ends up being the first domino to fall, you might start seeing other teams willing to part ways with certain players (especially if the return is rich).
So it might be something that ends up turning a slow offseason into a wild one once again.
And you know the Maple Leafs are going to try to be right in the center of it all.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 15 | 1223 ANSWERS Surprise Offseason Name to Watch Emerges as Trade Buzz Builds, per Insider Do you think Mason MacTavish is a good fit for the Toronto Maple Leafs? | ||
| Yes | 829 | 67.8 % |
| No | 394 | 32.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
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