Mason McTavish (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers) As the Boston Bruins look to bounce back from a lackluster 2024–25 season, bold trade strategies are gaining attention among hockey insiders. Connor Ryan of the Boston Globe suggests the Bruins should pursue Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish to strengthen their roster and boost their playoff chances next season.
Why Mason McTavish could be the perfect fit for the Bruins
Mason McTavish, the third overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft, had a strong showing last year with 22 goals and 30 assists. At just 22 years old, McTavish offers a blend of youth, skill, and untapped potential, making him a highly valuable asset. Boston’s current center depth has raised questions about its ability to support a deep playoff run, especially with rising star James Hagens already carrying significant responsibility. Ryan emphasizes, “If the Bruins want to build a new core alongside the usual suspects, they’re going to need to form a 1-2 punch with Hagens.”Pairing McTavish with Hagens could unlock a dynamic duo capable of dominating both ends of the ice. Their complementary styles—McTavish’s offensive creativity and Hagens’ two-way play—would offer the Bruins a significant upgrade at center ice.
What the Bruins might have to give up and the potential payoff
Landing McTavish won’t come cheap. Reports indicate Boston may have to part with multiple first-round picks, along with high-potential prospects like Fraser Minten or Matthew Poitras, and possibly other young NHL players. Furthermore, McTavish’s expected salary demand of $7–8 million annually could strain the Bruins’ cap space.Also Read: NHL Trade Rumors: Could trading Brandon Carlo be the Maple Leafs’ only path to a top-six forward?Despite the risk, the potential reward is substantial. Adding McTavish could speed up Boston’s rebuild and position them as serious contenders in the Eastern Conference. The real question remains: how aggressive are the Bruins’ management and ownership willing to be to gamble on McTavish’s future star power? The coming weeks will be crucial as the NHL trade market heats up.