Maple Leafs Urged to Strike Early on Rising 22-Year-Old Ducks RFA

Alberga added that targeting a player like McTavish could smooth the eventual transition as Tavares, who is about to turn 35, moves into a reduced role.

“I think McTavish is a prime illustration of that type of player, where down the road, whether it’s next year or two years from now, you want (Tavares) in the 3C hole, or you want him on the wing," Alberga said. "I think that makes that transition easier—when you have a guy like McTavish."

McTavish was drafted with the No. 3 overall pick in 2021 and remains a core piece of Anaheim’s rebuild, although his contract situation is a bit murky and could open the door for a potential exit via trade.

While Anaheim is not actively shopping McTavish, Alberga thinks timing could be crucial and the more the offseason advances, the higher the chances the Ducks and their forward split ways.

“(McTavish) is just 22, and he's going to get paid. I don’t know if it’s going to be with Anaheim or somewhere else," Alberga said. “He's going to make his money, but I think he's at a point where he hasn't totally popped off yet, and he's another great example of a guy that maybe you get him before he completely pops off.

“That's what my approach would look like if I was (Leafs general manager) Brad Treliving. I’d try to find a guy who's ready to pop off.”