Welcome back to another edition of NHL Rumours from the crew at Last Word On Hockey. August is nearing its end, and training camps are drawing closer. While some teams are finalizing depth moves, others are still navigating critical contract negotiations. In this segment, we focus on the ongoing situation between Mason McTavish and the Anaheim Ducks. So stay tuned as we explain why things haven’t progressed more and where the sides stand.
All NHL rumours come from their original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours: The Anaheim Duck Mason McTavish Update
Rumour: On the 32 Thoughts Podcast (McTavish discussion begins around 20:45), Elliotte Friedman discussed why talks have yet to reach the finish line. They noted that both sides respect the player’s value. However, negotiations are grinding with player agent Pat Morris, Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek, and vice president of hockey operations and assistant general manager Jeff Solomon all involved. Friedman also added that McTavish’s camp explored an offer sheet, though nothing materialized. Teams may have been reluctant because of the looming 2026 NHL Draft, where top prospect Gavin McKenna is expected to go first overall. Since offer sheets require unprotected picks, clubs may not want to risk losing the chance at drafting a franchise player.
What it Means for Anaheim
Analysis: The Ducks have shown a willingness to play hardball with young players, as seen last year with Trevor Zegras and Jamie Drysdale. However, the Ducks view McTavish differently. McTavish is a complete player, who guys like Verbeek are hoping his individual performance would help drive the team’s performance. Even though the clear upside is there, this is still a player with a career high of only 52 points. As Eric Stephens of The Athletic recently wrote:
“I can’t get into Verbeek’s head, but I don’t think he thought Zegras and Drysdale were sure things when it came to being core players. I do believe he sees McTavish as one.”
It’s easier to understand why the Ducks are prepared to dig in given this perspective. Verbeek’s philosophy is that a player should prove himself fully before landing major money. Negotiations, as we’ve seen the past, especially with Solomon involved, can be exhausting for opposing agents. McTavish’s side may be pushing for longer-term security, while Anaheim is more cautious about big commitments this early. It can be a tricky slope, as long-term and financial commitment can be slightly different things ultimately.
Furthermore, the McKenna draft dynamic looms large. Because offer sheets cannot be protected the way trade picks sometimes are, the risk of losing a lottery selection is scaring off potential suitors. Teams may admire McTavish, but very few are willing to gamble with an unprotected first-rounder in what is widely considered a generational draft.
Ultimately, while talks remain unresolved, there is little sense of panic. Verbeek has shown he is comfortable letting negotiations linger into camp. Yet the Ducks are clear about one thing: Mason McTavish is a player they intend to build around.
Main Photo Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
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