Could the Maple Leafs Make a Move for Mason McTavish?

Yesterday morning, while doing my daily research, I found an intriguing article by LeafsNation Maple Leafs writer Michael Mazzei that caught my attention. He was writing about five under-the-radar centers the Maple Leafs should consider looking at. One name he suggested as a trade possibility was Mason McTavish. At first, I admit, the idea felt a bit ludicrous. After all, McTavish is one of Anaheim’s most promising young players, and his future with the Ducks has always seemed relatively secure.

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But the more I thought about it, Mazzei’s analysis seemed logical and at least had a hint of possibility. So many of the trade speculations I read make no sense at all. For example, just last week, I wrote about a trade speculation about the Seattle Kraken sending Jared McCann to the Maple Leafs in exchange for Easton Cowan, Nicholas Robertson, and a high Maple Leafs draft pick.

While the idea of McCann returning to Toronto is appealing, especially given how well he’s turned out with Seattle, there’s no way the Maple Leafs would give up three players with untapped potential for one player who (they believed) didn’t have that much potential when they let him escape during the expansion draft. The idea of tripling down by moving three players with potential for a guy they let go in the expansion draft. McCann’s great, but the optics of Cowan or even Robertson turning into a star would cost GM Brad Treliving his job. Yet, someone thought this was a good idea. Duh!

A Big What If on McTavish, But Playing It Out for the Maple Leafs

McTavish’s usage with the Ducks this season has been a bit curious. His ice time fluctuates, and while he’s undeniably talented, there might be factors behind the scenes in Anaheim that could make him more expendable than expected. It’s easy to dismiss rumors as just that, but digging a little deeper and considering the context, you can’t help but wonder if there might be something more to it.

McTavish was the third overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft. He’s had an unusual season with the Ducks. Do these raise questions about his long-term fit with the team? While he probably remains one of Anaheim’s most talented young players, his current situation—and expiring contract—might create a chance for Toronto to move for the season and future.

Could something be amiss in Anaheim? Perhaps the Ducks don’t believe McTavish has a place in the team’s long-term plans. If there’s any truth to this, it’s worth exploring: What if McTavish could be grabbed at the deadline? Let’s entertain that possibility and break down where things could go.

McTavish’s Season So Far in California

McTavish has been a steady contributor for the Ducks since entering the league, showing offensive ability, a physical presence, and two-way reliability. Yet he’s never had a 20-goal season. And this season, he’s only scored 11 goals and added 13 assists for 24 points in 43 games. Not horrible, but perhaps not enough?

Under new head coach Greg Cronin, McTavish’s role has been unstable. He has primarily been used as a third-line center, with the odd shift to a second-line winger. He’s even been on the team’s fourth line. Coach Cronin described McTavish as “a third-line guy with offensive abilities.” For a player of McTavish’s potential, it’s an odd comment. Does it suggest something might be going on?

Could the Maple Leafs Make a Play?

If Anaheim hesitates to commit to McTavish long-term, this could be a perfect opportunity for Toronto. At just 21 years old, McTavish could be the kind of player the Maple Leafs need. Perhaps he could be the third-line center the team has been coveting all season, possibly since Nazem Kadri donned the Blue & White before the Maple Leafs moved him to Colorado and a Stanley Cup parade in his hometown of London, Ontario.

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Here are a few reasons why McTavish makes sense for Toronto. First, McTavish is an Ontario lad. Although he was born in Zurich, Switzerland, where his dad (Dale, not Craig) played international hockey, McTavish has ties to Ontario. His hometown is Carp, just outside Ottawa. His dad is a scout with the Senators, and he’s spent offseasons training alongside NHL stars like Claude Giroux and Thomas Chabot. Playing for the Maple Leafs puts him closer to his family.

Second, because his current deal expires at the end of this season, McTavish is a prime candidate for a bridge contract. His production is solid but not elite, making him affordable in the short term. His upside suggests he could deliver good value on a mid-range contract.

Third, would McTavish be a long-term fit for the team? He has the size at 6-foot-1 and 207 pounds, the skill, and the physicality. He could offer the Maple Leafs some grit as a middle-six center now and potentially become a key top-six player in the upcoming future.

What Would It Take to Bring McTavish to Toronto?

The asking price for McTavish won’t be cheap. Anaheim would likely demand a significant return for McTavish, a former top-three pick with some scoring ability. Would the Maple Leafs move their 2026 first-round pick? If so, it might be a move the Maple Leafs would be willing to pay for a player who could help them both now and in the future.

McTavish is a player the Maple Leafs could build around. While his mid-range production this season might suggest a bridge deal is in order, his ceiling is much higher. If the Ducks, for whatever reason, decide not to extend him or are willing to listen to offers, Toronto could grab him.

Adding McTavish would strengthen the team’s lineup for this season and the future. For Brad Treliving and the Maple Leafs, this trade deadline might be the perfect time to bet on a rising star with plenty to prove—and even more to give. It’s a big what-if, but still worth exploring.

Related: Marner vs. Rantanen: “It’s Different” Says NHL Insider