NHL Rumours: Focus On a Couple Key Anaheim Duck RFAs

General manager Pat Verbeek was active on July 1st locking up key veterans and depth additions. Moreover, he spoke to the media late Tuesday and offered a brief update on the status of negotiations with his two restricted free agents. Pat Verbeek on contract negotiations with RFAs Lukáš Dostál & Mason McTavish,

“We’re still starting to work on that a little harder now, kind of wanting to get through free agency… we’ve got some time now to really get after it and get both players under contract.”

The quote was shared widely by reporters and insiders on social media. Furthermore, it has sparked speculation among Ducks fans and league observers. 

McTavish Contract Watch

Among the two, Mason McTavish stands out as the more high-profile negotiation. The 21-year-old centre was drafted third overall in 2021. He has blossomed into a fan favourite and a physical, productive top-six forward. He recorded 22 goals and 52 points in 76 games last season. 

There’s no indication of tension in the negotiations. But the structure of McTavish’s next deal is likely a sticking point. The Ducks could opt for a long-term extension in the range of six-to-eight years. This type of term would burn up multiple UFA seasons and come with a higher AAV. Alternatively, a bridge deal, perhaps three years, would come with a lower cap hit. The bridge deal idea could appeal to both sides in the short term, especially with the Ducks still managing several other contracts on the books.

The comparable contracts are already swirling. With pundits pointing to recent deals for players like Dawson Mercer (3 years x $4M), Cole Perfetti (2 years x $3.25M), and even Ottawa’s Shane Pinto (2 years x $3.75M). A long-term extension north of $6M annually would not be surprising if the Ducks are fully committed to McTavish’s long-term role behind Leo Carlsson.

Dostál Deserves His Deal

Next, on to the other side of the ice, literally. Lukáš Dostál is still awaiting his next contract after finishing the 2024–25 season as Anaheim’s number-one goaltender. The Czechia netminder stepped up during the injury riddled season of veteran John Gibson. Gibson was traded a few weeks ago to the Detroit Red Wings. Dostál posted a .903 save percentage and a 3.10 goals-against average in 54 games. Thus, cementing himself as a reliable starter on a rebuilding-but-rising Ducks squad.

While goalies are notoriously difficult to value. Dostál’s body of work suggests a deal similar to ones signed by fellow up-and-coming starters like Pyotr Kochetkov (4 years x $2M) or Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (2 years x $4.75M) might be in play.

Anaheim has more flexibility in net now. With prospect Damian Clara still a couple years away and no major goalie commitments beyond next season. A two-to-three year deal that gives Dostál the chance to prove himself as a full-time starter, while keeping the door open for a future raise. This would align with how the Ducks have approached goaltending development in the past.

Cap Room and Clock Management

The good news for Verbeek is that time is on his side. With free agency’s first wave behind him and over $28 million in cap space available. He’s under no immediate pressure. That being said, the longer these negotiations linger. The more Ducks fans will grow uneasy especially if camp nears without deals in place for these important young pieces.

From a team-building standpoint. Locking in McTavish and Dostál now gives the Ducks a more complete picture of their salary structure heading into the fall. It also helps them map out future extensions for young players like Pavel Mintyukov, Olen Zellweger, and Cutter Gauthier.

Anaheim has done well this summer to surround their youth with responsible veterans. The heartbeat of this team’s future is still its under-25 core, and McTavish and Dostál are at the centre of that vision.

What’s Next?

If Verbeek’s comments are to be taken at face value, fans should expect movement soon on these important young pieces. Negotiations that were on pause during the chaotic July 1st window may now ramp up. Now, he will have an eye toward getting both players signed before training camp opens.

Don’t be surprised if McTavish is the domino that needs to fall first. His contract is likely the more complex of the two and once that number is locked in. The Ducks will have a clearer financial picture for Dostál and the rest of their roster decisions. For now, it’s a waiting game in Orange County. But the message from management is clear, the Ducks know how important these deals are, and they’re about to “really get after it.” Stay tuned.