The Anaheim Ducks finally clawed their way back to the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2026, emerging from a brutal rebuild that tested the patience of fans and front office alike. But one young star who was supposed to be a cornerstone of this new era reportedly fell short of expectations. Mason McTavish, the former third overall pick, struggled during the 2025-26 season — and now, sources close to the situation claim his time in Orange County might be over.
Trade rumors have been swirling around McTavish for weeks, with multiple teams allegedly expressing interest in the 23-year-old forward. While the Ducks have no urgent need to move him — their contention window is just cracking open — there’s a growing belief inside the organization that this summer might be the perfect moment to strike a deal. One insider told us the front office is reportedly weighing the risk of holding onto a player whose stock may never be higher than it is right now.
History is littered with cautionary tales. Just look at the New York Rangers’ situation with Alexis Lafrenière. Once a can’t-miss prospect, Lafrenière is still an NHL player, but the shine has faded. The Rangers reportedly held onto him too long, and now his trade value is a shadow of what it once was. The Ducks, according to reports, are keen to avoid a similar fate. Trading McTavish now could be a preemptive strike — a way to cash in before the narrative shifts from “potential superstar” to “disappointing middle-six forward.”
Dylan Larkin Trade Could Be the Perfect Escape for McTavish
If the Ducks decide to pull the trigger, one scenario that’s reportedly gaining traction involves the Detroit Red Wings and their disgruntled captain. Dylan Larkin, a Michigan native and the face of the franchise, has allegedly requested a trade — a bombshell that has rocked the NHL this offseason. The Red Wings will need a center in return, and McTavish, despite his down year, still carries the kind of upside that could intrigue Detroit’s front office.
McTavish isn’t a top-line center in the NHL right now — that’s not up for debate. But sources say the Red Wings believe they can unlock the potential that made him a top-three pick. Pairing him with Detroit’s young core could reignite his career, and for Anaheim, landing Larkin would be a massive statement that they’re not just happy to be in the playoffs — they’re coming for the Cup.
New Jersey Devils: A Risky Swing That Could Pay Off Big
Another team that appears to be circling McTavish is the New Jersey Devils. On paper, the Devils have one of the most exciting young cores in the league — Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, Jesper Bratt, Luke Hughes, Simon Nemec — but insiders claim they’re still looking for more depth in their top nine. Adding McTavish, who could slot in as either a winger or center, would give new general manager Sunny Mehta a chance to take a calculated risk.
The Devils’ cap situation and roster structure make this a natural fit, according to league insiders. With only Jack Hughes signed past the 2026-27 season at center, New Jersey reportedly sees McTavish as a long-term piece who could grow into a key role. It’s a move that screams ambition — and if McTavish rediscovers his form, the Devils could look like geniuses for betting on his talent when others had doubts.
Whether McTavish stays or goes, one thing is clear: the 2026 NHL offseason is about to get very interesting. And if Anaheim pulls the trigger on a trade, the ripple effects could be felt for years.
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