Deep into the offseason, contract talks between RFA Mason McTavish and the Anaheim Ducks have witnessed no real progress. Pat Verbeek’s preference for bridge deals, especially for players like McTavish who are just off their entry-level contracts, seems to clash with the RFA’s desire for a long-term deal.
Uncertainty about McTavish’s future has reached a fever pitch, and fans are taking to social media to weigh in on the situation.
NHL Fans React to the Anaheim Ducks-Mason McTavish Contract Talks Deadlock
Verbeek has earned quite a reputation across the league for being careful with money. The Ducks’ front office is especially stringent about handing out long-term deals to players just off their entry-level contracts. Trevor Zegras and Jamie Drysdale were in McTavish’s position once, and contract talks with both stretched well into the training camp.
According to Marco D’Amico of “RG Media,” there is possibly no bad blood between the Ducks and McTavish, and that there is a good chance the two parties will meet in the middle to sign a “bridge-ish kind of a deal.”
In the absence of a contract extension, trade rumors are running amok. Speaking on “The Shaun Starr Show,” D’Amico stated that McTavish could be traded if the Ducks are prepared to play without him. “Could he be traded down the line? Potentially. They have to see, can their line up sustain that kind of a blow?”
Eric Stephens of The Athletic clarified that the Ducks want to keep McTavish. “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.”
Fans are pining for a resolution. “Someone offersheet him already,” commented one social media user.
Another left a scathing criticism of Verbeek’s actions as the GM: “Lost top picks Zegras, Drysdale, and potentially McTavish next, McQueen’s a massive what if, and Sennecke is very boom or bust (taking him over Demidov was always dumb asf) No clue what Verbeek’s doing.”
A third user seemed too keen to welcome him to the Montreal Canadiens, one of the two teams primarily being touted as possible destinations for the 22-year-old. The other being the Vancouver Canucks. “Too bad, he’s a future Hab.”
However, Verbeek will likely be open to exploring deals to keep McTavish on the team despite the many trade rumors. The 22-year-old is just starting, and his prime is yet to come. He has developed into a franchise cornerstone, and the Ducks’ front office might not be ready to let him go easy.