Mason McTavish has become one of the most closely watched names on the trade market as teams evaluate ways to strengthen their top-six forward groups.
The Anaheim Ducks forward remains under a long-term contract, but recent developments have fueled speculation about his future. Several organizations are monitoring the situation, including the Montreal Canadiens.
Now, a former Ottawa executive believes the Senators should be just as aggressive in the pursuit, setting up a potential battle between two Canadian rivals.
Pierre McGuire Urges Senators to Challenge Canadiens for Mason McTavish
Former Ottawa Senators executive Pierre McGuire believes McTavish would be a natural fit in Ottawa and made a strong case for the organization to pursue the Ducks center.
Speaking on The Sick Podcast with Alex Adams, McGuire pointed to both the player’s local roots and the potential impact he could have on the franchise over the long term.
“It makes a lot of sense for Ottawa, I think, long term. He’s an Ottawa kid,” McGuire said. “I think it’s important to try to add guys from your neighborhood.”
He added that bringing local players into an organization can strengthen the connection between a team and its fan base, drawing comparisons to how the Boston Bruins embraced players with ties to the region.
He referenced Ottawa captain Claude Giroux as an example of a local player who became especially popular because of his ties to the community.
“You get a player from Ottawa, like Giroux,” McGuire added. “He’s a very popular guy in Ottawa. When I was working there, they were talking about this player. ‘What about McTavish? He’s right from here.’ And I know he went before our pick. We had No. 10 at that time.”
The interest from Ottawa comes as McTavish’s future in Anaheim continues to generate debate. The 23-year-old completed the first season of his six-year, $42 million contract and still has five years remaining on the deal. With a manageable $7 million annual cap hit and no trade protection attached to the contract, he remains an attractive target for teams looking to add a young center.
Montreal has also been linked to McTavish.
The Canadiens are reportedly exploring ways to strengthen their center depth and have the assets to construct a compelling package. Anaheim is believed to be seeking a first-round pick along with an established player, a price that aligns more comfortably with Montreal’s prospect pool.
Ottawa faces a more complicated challenge. The Senators are reluctant to move core roster pieces and cannot trade their 2026 first-round pick. As a result, any offer would likely revolve around future first-round selections and secondary assets.
Part of the reason teams remain interested despite McTavish’s recent struggles is his long-term upside. His 2025-26 season featured 17 goals and 41 points in 75 games, while injuries, a drop in ice time, and lineup changes affected his consistency.
He was also healthy-scratched during the playoffs and reportedly experienced friction within Anaheim’s structure, further increasing speculation around his availability.
For Ottawa, the appeal extends beyond production. McTavish grew up playing minor hockey in Eastern Ontario, and his father, Dale McTavish, currently works as a pro scout for the Senators.
These connections may not determine a trade, but they strengthen McGuire’s belief that Ottawa should make a serious push.
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Whether Anaheim ultimately moves McTavish remains uncertain. However, if the Ducks decide to listen to offers, Ottawa appears ready to challenge Montreal for one of the most intriguing young centers potentially available.
