The Ottawa Senators are navigating one of the most important offseasons in franchise history. After Brady Tkachuk’s trade request ultimately led to a blockbuster deal with the Florida Panthers, general manager Steve Staios made his intentions clear: Ottawa has no plans to take a step backward.
Now, the Senators are reportedly in the mix for a major addition as they look to outduel several rivals for a coveted young forward.
Ottawa Senators Enter Battle for $42M Talent
The trade market for Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish is quickly becoming one of the biggest storylines of the summer. As the draft arrives, multiple reports indicate Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek is listening to offers for the 23-year-old forward.
Signed through 2031 on a six-year, $42 million contract, McTavish offers a rare combination of youth, size, physicality, and top-six upside, making him one of the most intriguing names available.
According to a source who spoke with RG Media, Ottawa has emerged as one of the teams pushing hardest for his services. “They were already talking to the Ducks before they traded Brady Tkachuk, and then they got [William] Eklund. Now, that’s picked up again.”
The source also noted Staios’ familiarity with McTavish. “There’s history between the player and GM Steve Staios, and, obviously, the player is familiar with the area, having played for the Ottawa Valley Titans way back. I know Staios likes McTavish a lot.”
The fit makes plenty of sense for Ottawa.
By flipping the 9th overall pick from the Tkachuk trade to San Jose for William Eklund, Staios secured a dynamic, highly skilled perimeter playmaker. Adding McTavish provides the heavy, net-front counterweight that the roster lost when Tkachuk walked out the door.
Despite his pedigree, McTavish is coming off a difficult season in Anaheim. A contract dispute caused him to miss part of training camp, and he never seemed to find his rhythm afterward.
Under head coach Joel Quenneville, McTavish saw his role reduced at times, spending stretches on the wing and even being scratched for two games during Anaheim’s playoff run. His production dipped to 41 points in 75 games after posting 52 points the season before.
Still, Ottawa appears confident that a change of scenery could help unlock another level in his game.
“Look, I don’t know what went wrong with McTavish in Anaheim, but I do know that Staios and the Senators think they can help him fulfill his potential and become the player so many believed he could be,” the source said.
The Senators aren’t alone in their pursuit. The Montreal Canadiens are believed to be heavily involved, while the Philadelphia Flyers, Detroit Red Wings and Minnesota Wild have also been linked to the young center.
For Ottawa, adding McTavish would be about more than adding talent. Pairing him with Eklund could help replace Tkachuk’s impact by committee rather than relying on one player.
