One of the more interesting parts of the NHL offseason has been the restricted free agency of young center Mason McTavish. McTavish remains a free agent, even though the NHL training camp hasn't started up.
There doesn't seem to be any change between McTavish and the Anaheim Ducks, leaving the young star in the dust. Anaheim has a set number that they are comfortable giving to McTavish, while the center seems to believe he is worth more.
This has created an impasse between the two sides and somewhat of a stalemate. astalemate. But according to one NHL insider, the two sides have agreed on terms, but not years.
According to NHL insider Frank Seravalli, the two sides are still very far apart on a new deal, at least what the AAV should be.
Frank Seravalli: Re Mason McTavish: I believe they've settled on...the term part of this; it's not a short term deal; they remain pretty far apart...on what the AAV would look like - B/R Open Ice (9/23)
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) September 24, 2025
While this entire contract situation remains up in the air, the Ducks may want to get this handled before the season starts. The last thing that Anaheim desires is for this to linger into the year, especially considering how important a season this is for the franchise.
The Ducks clearly don't want to trade McTavish, but if things don't change, their hands may be tied. Anaheim is building toward making a playoff run this season, and the last thing that the team needs is unnecessary distractions.
McTavish remains a solid player for the Ducks, and the hope is that this will get handled sooner rather than later. But until the two sides can come to terms, this story won't be going away at all.
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