Former top-three pick is suddenly "more available than ever" on the trade market

The NHL trade market has been shaken by surprising comments from insider Jeff Marek, who revealed that one of the league's most talented young centers, drafted third overall in 2021, is "more available than ever" as trade chatter heats up this summer.

While the player isn't being openly shopped, Marek told Sekeres and Price that interest around Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish is real, and this may be the first time since his draft year that the Ducks appear willing to listen to serious offers.

Marek explained:

"Is he available? The way that I'd put it is, he's more available now than he's ever been."

According to Sportsnet, multiple markets, including Vancouver, are monitoring the situation, with speculation that McTavish may be unhappy with his evolving role as Anaheim's roster changes.

Could Anaheim Ducks really move Mason McTavish after drafting him as a future franchise centerpiece?

Analyst Mike Halford told Sportsnet 650:

"It feels kind of realistic. Mason McTavish is the most intriguing name to me of all the ones we've heard."

Halford added that general manager Pat Verbeek's willingness to move players he didn't draft, like Trevor Zegras and now possibly McTavish, fuels the rumors:

"If Verbeek thinks he can't win with these guys, maybe he tries to sell high."

Even NHLRumors.com notes that McTavish's World Junior legacy and physical, two-way style could bring Anaheim a huge return if the Ducks decide to maximize his trade value.

With McTavish unsigned as a restricted free agent, this summer could determine if Anaheim views him as a cornerstone or a trade chip.