The Anaheim Ducks have finally come to terms with forward Mason McTavish of Pembroke, Ontario. The fourth year National Hockey League center was a restricted free agent, and there were a lot of rumblings in the hockey world that the Ducks might trade their prize possession. However, the native of Zurich, Switzerland, who represents Canada internationally, signed a six-year contract worth $42 million.
McTavish had been holding out the last two weeks according to the Associated Press. The Ducks began their training camp on September 18. The Ducks were reportedly disappointed that McTavish was not at training camp at the beginning according to Ducks General Manager Pat Verbeek, because new Ducks head coach Joel Quenneville was installing in a new system than former Ducks head coach Greg Cronin.
On August 11, we explored the possibilities where McTavish could go. At the time, we discussed the possibilities of the Detroit Red Wings, Montreal Canadiens and Carolina Hurricanes. As the regular season came closer, the Ducks were able to come to terms.
McTavish’s 2024-25 NHL Statistics
In 76 games this season, McTavish had 22 goals and 30 assists for 52 points. He had 38 penalty minutes, 12 power-play points, two game-winning goals, 180 shots on goal, 487 faceoff wins, 31 blocked shots, 70 hits, 18 takeaways, and 51 giveaways.
McTavish’s first game-winning goal came at the 59 second mark of overtime in a 5-4 Ducks win over the New York Rangers on March 28. Defenseman Jackson LaCombe of Eden Prairie, Minnesota and left winger Cutter Gauthier of Skelleftea, Sweden posted the helpers. McTavish’s second game-winning goal came on April 7 in a 3-2 Ducks win over the injury plagued Edmonton Oilers (at the time) on April 7. McTavish put the Ducks up 3-1 at 5:33 of the third period. Trevor Zegras of Bedford, New York had the only other point on the goal as he had an assist.
Where will McTavish fit into the Ducks system?
It is believed he will be a top six forward, and it will be just a matter of time before he plays with wingers will NHL experience (possibly Troy Terry, Chris Kreider, Alex Killorn and Frank Vatrano). There is no doubt the Ducks are a team on the rise with a playoff spot a distinct possibility. Many were surprised the Ducks fired Cronin after having a 21 point improvement from the year before. Quenneville won three Stanley Cups coaching the Chicago Blackhawks.
