The Anaheim Ducks head into the 2025-26 season with an unusual sense of optimism compared to the previous season. The rebuilding Ducks aren’t really rebuilding anymore. As GM Pat Verbeek has discussed this offseason, the club is ready to move on and contend for a playoff spot.
But one situation could derail the Ducks’ season: The uncertainty surrounding Mason McTavish’s contract.
McTavish and the Ducks are mired in what could become a painful contract standoff. In particular, a holdout by the Ducks’ forward could lead to the team’s season falling apart.
As it stands, it’s mid-August and there’s no word on the Ducks and McTavish agreeing to terms. As James Murphy noted in an August 16 piece published in RG Media, McTavish could hold out much the same way Jeremy Swayman did last season with the Boston Bruins.
As Murphy described, Swayman’s holdout had a detrimental impact on Swayman and the Bruins, by extension.
So, if McTavish chooses to follow a similar path, just how much could that situation derail the Ducks’ season?
There’s a very good chance that the situation could force the team’s hand. The club may be forced to make a move against its better judgment. Such a move could involve a non-too-favorable trade.
But then again, McTavish has been the subject of endless trade rumors this summer. And thus far, nothing has come to pass. Is that a signal that teams are wary of taking a chance on McTavish? It could be a signal, as Murphy pointed out, that teams just want to steer clear of the drama that could unfold from unsigned RFAs.
Ducks could struggle to replace McTavish
Daily Faceoff projects Mason McTavish as the Ducks’ second-line center this upcoming season. That’s considering the Ducks re-sign McTavish. But if the Ducks fail to ink the 22-year-old center ahead of Opening Night, who could take his place?
The most immediate option would be Ryan Strome. Strome is slated to start the season as the Ducks’ third-line center. But just how good would that solution be? It would be a stopgap until the club figures out what to do with McTavish.
All told, the worst thing that could happen is McTavish sitting out the start of the season. As the Ducks have already proven, they’re not afraid to trade a disgruntled player. The team moved Trevor Zegras earlier this offseason. While the Ducks would much rather hold on to McTavish, the club may have no other choice but to trade him.
Perhaps that might be the easiest way out for Anaheim as they look to avoid potential animosity within its ranks.