How Does Marco Rossi’s Contract Affect Mason McTavish Negotiations

If you look at the two situations, the one in Minnesota and the one in Anaheim, they are similar. Two young players who are on the rise and looking to hit it big are facing uncertainty surrounding their roles on the team. But with Rossi getting a $5 million AAV and a qualifying offer of $6 million, this sets the stage for Mason McTavish to get more.

As a matter of fact, if you compare the numbers, McTavish’s AAV should be the qualifying offer that Rossi got.

More On Rossi And McTavish

So, for a player who recorded career highs in points (52), goals (22), and assists (30) in 76 games last season for the Ducks, playing a prominent role, the starting price is the qualifying offer for Rossi at $6 million on an AAV, with a qualifying offer being $8 million. That is fair, given McTavish has 140 points (60 goals and 80 assists) in 229 games.

While Rossi last season had 60 points (24 goals, 36 assists), McTavish has more points overall. And it has become a game of chicken between the Ducks and McTavish. The player wants a longer-term deal, while the team wants to do a bridge deal or a prove-it type deal, as Eric Stephens of the Athletic notes.

Verbeek Walking Down A Familiar Road With McTavish

Ducks General Manager Pat Verbeek is going down the same path with McTavish as he did with Trevor Zegras and Jamie Drysdale, as Verbeek believes that the players should earn their next big paycheck and not get it right away. That comes from the school of Steve Yzerman, whom Verbeek worked under in Tampa Bay when they were both with the Lightning organization.

However, Zegras and Drysdale are in Philadelphia and both missed training camp because their deals took time to negotiate. Many are wondering why this one isn’t done. The Anaheim Ducks have the cap space to make it work. Any team that wanted to offer a sheet to McTavish knows the Ducks will match. Teams are looking for a second-line center, and the Ducks know he is one, just like Wild GM Bill Guerin knew Marco Rossi was a second-line center.

What Happens Next?

The asking price for McTavish is high, and it is unclear what the Ducks are asking for in return. Do they want picks and prospects, or do they want someone who can help them now? Remember, Verbeek believes his team is ready to compete for the playoffs this year. So why would he give up on a player who can help him win and get into the playoffs?

The Anaheim Ducks like Mason McTavish, but how much do they like him? Because until a contract is signed, speculation will grow about whether he is indeed a Pat Verbeek guy.

But the stage is set for McTavish to get more than Marco Rossi.