Hockey fans have been kicking around the same question for months: Is Anaheim Ducks forward Mason McTavish related to former Edmonton Oilers captain Craig MacTavish? The chatter popped up again after Mason signed his six-year, $42 million contract in Anaheim.
Is Mason McTavish Related to Craig MacTavish?
The short answer? No, there’s no family tie.
Mason’s background is its own story. His dad, Dale McTavish, had a brief run with the Calgary Flames before carving out a long career in Europe. Most of it was spent in Switzerland, the same place where Mason was born. That’s where his hockey roots start.
Craig MacTavish took a completely different path.
He was a centerpiece of the Oilers dynasty in the 1980s, winning three Stanley Cups before adding another with the New York Rangers in 1994. Across more than 1,000 NHL games, Craig became known as a gritty two-way center.
After retiring, he moved into coaching and management, leading Edmonton to the 2006 Stanley Cup Final. He was later inducted into the Oilers Hall of Fame.
Other than a shared last name, there’s no connection. Two Canadian centers. Two separate careers. End of story.
Ducks Get Their Man Under Contract
While the name mix-up has been fun for fans, the real news in Anaheim is Mason’s new deal. The 22-year-old had been sitting out of training camp as contract talks dragged on. That standoff ended when he and the Ducks finally agreed to six years at $42 million.
It didn’t come easily. Reports suggested both sides were miles apart early in September. Things only came together in the days leading up to the season. Ducks GM Pat Verbeek and McTavish’s camp eventually found middle ground, and the deal was done.
The contract doesn’t include trade protection, so Anaheim could technically move him in the future. Still, both the team and the player stressed commitment. McTavish said he’s excited to be part of the Ducks’ climb back toward playoff contention. Verbeek called him a cornerstone for the rebuild.
McTavish has already shown why the Ducks value him so highly. Last season, he hit career highs with 22 goals and 52 points. He plays a heavy style, drives play in both zones, and gives Anaheim a strong one-two punch down the middle with Leo Carlsson.
For the fans, the contract brings relief after weeks of uncertainty. For Mason, it’s a fresh chapter where he can define his career without being linked to Craig MacTavish’s past.
Two players. Same last name. That’s where the connection begins and ends.
