The Detroit Red Wings are on the precipice of the playoffs. Still, the need for a top-six forward is more dire than ever. The Anaheim Ducks, on the other hand, are in a strange situation. Like the Red Wings, they haven’t been to the playoffs in quite some time. Having said that, the Ducks are looking to retool their roster to take their next step toward contention. The Red Wings might be just the answer they’re looking for.
Heavy.com has proposed a trade idea that would send Mason McTavish to the Red Wings for a hefty return.
Red Wings acquire:
- Mason McTavish
- 2026 3rd round pick
Ducks acquire:
- 2026 1st round pick
- Michael Brandsegg-Nygard
- Carter Mazur
McTavish was the third overall pick in the 2021 NHL draft. Since then, the 22-year-old has managed at least half a point-per-game or above each season. Last year, he hit career highs with 22 goals and 30 assists for 52 points in 82 games.
Frank Seravalli has McTavish at the top of his radar for trade talks. “He’s one name to watch for me I think moving forward,” Seravalli said on Bleacher Report. “I think it’s been a tough go for McTavish; a real solid player that has been beaten down by a lot of losses in Anaheim.” Joining an organization like the Red Wings, who are ready to take their next step, would do wonders for McTavish’s confidence.
In exchange, the Ducks receive a haul in a first-round pick, a top prospect in Michael Brandsegg-Nygard and young forward Carter Mazur. Mazur made Detroit’s roster last season, but, due to an injury, spent the rest of the season on injured reserve. This deal gives the Ducks additional draft capital, a player that can immediately slot in the roster and a young prospect who will fill their top-six void.
Red Wings Finally Acquire 2C
The Red Wings have been searching for a second line center since Pavel Datsyuk retired in 2016. It’s been nearly a decade since a player of Datsyuk’s caliber made his way to Hockeytown. While McTavish isn’t quite at Datsyuk’s level, his skill level suggests that he’ll be able to carry the mantle of 2C.
Adding McTavish to the lineup takes a lot of pressure off Dylan Larkin, who has been expected to carry the brunt of the two-way load for years. It proves the team with another goal-scoring weapon as well as a playmaker, too. A combination of Alex DeBrincat, Lucas Raymond, Dylan Larkin, Patrick Kane, Marco Kasper and Mason McTavish makes for quite a fearsome top-six — especially in a division as competitive as the Atlantic.
McTavish Trade Still Uncertain
Having said that, Chris Johnston reported today that the Ducks haven’t reached a point of no return with McTavish. “I don’t know that the relationship has necessary gone bad there,” he said on the “Steve Dangle Podcast“. “…he doesn’t have to take any old offer, he’s got…leverage.”
There isn’t a lot that Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek can do to convince McTavish to sign. If an agreement can’t be met, this trade would benefit both parties as they take their respective steps forward. Time will tell the tale on McTavish.
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