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Top Pittsburgh Penguins Trade Target Revealed, per Reporter

Originally posted on Hockey Unplugged | By Tom Banks | Last updated Mar 19, 2025 1:28 PM ET

Mason MacTavish is a potential rising star in the NHL, and now, a top Pittsburgh reporter has linked him to the Penguins as an RFA.

The Pittsburgh Penguins are in with an outside shot at the Stanley Cup Playoffs this season, but for the most part, the fans of the organization are already looking towards the summer.

When the off-season rolls around, the Penguins will have six picks in the first three rounds of the 2025 NHL Draft, and while they could look to land six talented prospects, they may ultimately instead consider an offer sheet.

Now, top Penguins reporter Dan Kingerski has looked into the possibilities, noting that Mason McTavish of the Anaheim Ducks should be the top option for the Penguins front office this summer, as the 22-year old has immense potential that likely isn't going to be fulfilled in Anaheim.

With plenty of offensive upside, McTavish could be a top-six centre in the NHL one day, but with his coach seemingly holding him back, a change of scenery may be the best move forward for him.

As Kingerski notes, it would likely only cost a second-round pick to offer sheet McTavish, and with the Ducks having other options in Trevor Zegras and Leo Carlsson, getting that pick may be more valuable for them than McTavish could ever be.

There's been plenty of speculation around Zegras as well, so it's unclear who could be on the way out this summer, but with the new regime in Anaheim looking to make their mark on the current roster, moving out McTavish could be the way to go, and if the Penguins forced their hands, they may have the perfect understudy for Sidney Crosby on their hands.

This article first appeared on Hockey Unplugged and was syndicated with permission.

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