Insider Talks Potential Ducks and Maple Leafs Blockbuster McTavish Trade

“I have zero evidence to suggest the Anaheim Ducks are the ones picking up the phone and calling teams about him. But I know for a fact that several teams have inquired about him. He’s coming off a season in which he regressed after a contract stalemate delayed his start.” These were the words written by The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun about Mason McTavish, whom he believes could be moved as several big trade conversations surface around the NHL.

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McTavish has high upside, but this past season, he was made a healthy scratch several times by the Ducks. It’s unclear whether he’s part of their long-term plans or if the club is open to moving him to do other business this summer. Among the other business the Ducks have to take care of are extensions with young stars Leo Carlsson and Cutter Gauthier, both due for big raises this summer.

McTavish is signed to a contract for another five years at a $7 million cap hit. LeBrun writes, “Some teams view him as an ideal reset candidate. All the more reason Anaheim wouldn’t move him unless a team steps up in a major way.” Still, the potential for a blockbuster deal is there.

What Would Be an Example of a Blockbuster?

LeBrun threw out an interesting hypothetical when talking about the type of deal that the Ducks would be into. He pondered the idea of Auston Matthews watching the Toronto Maple Leafs’ offseason play out over the next five or six weeks and deciding he’s not sure they are still a contender. If he tells the Maple Leafs he’s open to a move, LeBrun explains, “I would venture to guess Anaheim would be on his list of seven or eight potential desired landing spots. And the Ducks would have the pieces to make it work in a larger package.”

Clearly, it would take more than McTavish to get that deal over the finish line. However, is McTavish a starting point in trade talks, with picks and another player tossed in?

LeBrun isn’t sold that’s a deal that could happen, simply because he believes Matthews will ultimately choose to stay in Toronto. He’s maintained his desire to win in Toronto, and it was recently said that a phone call between him and new GM John Chayka went fairly well.

Still, the summer has barely begun for the Leafs, and there’s lots to do. This is the kind of deal that the Ducks would be open to.

Next: NHL Trade Talk Recap: Oilers, Canadiens & Maple Leafs 1st Pick?