The Ottawa Senators are relentlessly hunting for a legitimate top-six forward to ride shotgun with Tim Stutzle, and the latest NHL trade chatter points directly to Southern California. According to Senators insider Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun, the Sens have officially placed Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish on their radar.
Yes, the exact same 23-year-old star who just inked a six-year, $7 million AAV contract last September.
Why would the Ducks move a foundational piece so soon? The answer lies in a frustrating season marred by contract standoffs, slipping down the depth chart, and surprise healthy scratches, including two regular-season benchings in March and two more in the postseason. McTavish’s production dipped significantly, creating a prime buy-low opportunity for a franchise willing to bank on his pedigree.
Enter Senators General Manager Steve Staios. This isn’t just a random dart throw; it’s a calculated reunion. Staios knows exactly what makes McTavish tick, having acquired the young forward back in 2022 when he was managing the OHL’s Hamilton Bulldogs. For an Ottawa team desperate to take the next step, this rumor carries serious weight. Here is why this blockbuster makes sense, and what it will cost to get it done.
Why Mason McTavish and the Ottawa Senators Are a Perfect Match
As an NHL analyst, when I look at a player struggling after signing a massive contract, I always look at their training camp. Missing training camp and preseason play last September due to prolonged contract talks absolutely derailed McTavish’s rhythm. In the modern NHL, if you miss camp, you spend the next three months chasing the play. That lack of preparation directly contributed to his inconsistent performance and eventual slide down the Anaheim depth chart.
However, teams in the market for a second-line center will be highly interested in McTavish because they know a simple change of scenery, and a full summer of proper preparation, could instantly help him regain his dominant form. He is a versatile center who can also comfortably skate on the wing, making him the ultimate puzzle piece to fit alongside an elite playmaker like Tim Stutzle.
Furthermore, the pre-existing relationship with Steve Staios removes a lot of the risk. NHL GMs rarely trade for expensive distressed assets unless they have intimate knowledge of the player’s character and work ethic. Staios traded for McTavish from the Peterborough Petes during their OHL days, meaning he already trusts the player’s makeup.
Evaluating the Anaheim Ducks’ Asking Price
Prying a 23-year-old former top pick out of Anaheim won’t be cheap, despite his recent struggles. League executives note that the asking price will likely start with a first-round pick and a roster player who can step in and help the Anaheim Ducks immediately. For Ottawa, parting with high-end draft capital is a tough pill to swallow, but it is the necessary cost of doing business to solidify your top six for the next half-decade.
Mason McTavish Career NHL Stats
| Type | GP | G | A | P | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Season | 304 | 77 | 104 | 181 | -54 |
| Playoffs | 10 | 1 | 5 | 6 | 1 |
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