Mason McTavish Got a $42 Million Deal, Then Got Benched. The Kraken Better Be Watching What Happens Next.

Alright, Emerald City, can you even believe this? Talk about a head-scratcher! Mason McTavish, the young gun for the Anaheim Ducks, who just cashed in on a massive $42 million, six-year extension back in September, is now apparently on the trade block. Seriously, what in the deepest depths of the ocean is going on down in Anaheim? Chris Johnston from The Athletic just dropped his latest trade rankings board, and guess who’s sitting pretty at number six on the list of potentially available players? Yep, it’s McTavish. This isn't just some whisper, folks, Johnston made it crystal clear that a "fresh start is likely coming" for the kid.

That $42 Million Contract is Already Looking Rough

Remember that huge deal McTavish signed? Turns out, it's not exactly working out for either side. Johnston’s blurb paints a pretty grim picture: "This was not the kind of season McTavish or the Ducks had in mind when they agreed to a $42 million, six-year extension in September." Ouch! Not only did our guy see a real dip in his average ice time and overall offensive production, but he also found himself riding the pine as an occasional healthy scratch, even during the playoffs. We all know the puck-handling skills, the vision, and that wicked shot that made him a top draft pick are still there, but those lingering questions about his skating ability? Yeah, they’re still hanging around. This whole situation is a br

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Could This Open Up a Bigger Blockbuster?

Now, this is where it gets really interesting for us as fans, watching the league’s currents. Johnston didn't just rank McTavish, The Athletic article he referenced even linked back to an earlier story about McTavish being a potential chip in a much, much bigger blockbuster trade. And the names that got thrown around in that earlier piece? Only Auston Matthews from Toronto and Dylan Larkin from Detroit! Look, nobody’s saying these deals are guaranteed to happen. Matthews hasn’t even requested a trade, and Larkin’s reported trade list definitely doesn’t include Anaheim. But things change on a dime in this league, especially when a talented young player like McTavish suddenly becomes available. These rumors are just starting to bubble, and it’s a situation the whole league, including our Kraken, should be watching closely. So, what does this all mean for us? While the McTavish situation is happening down south, it's a huge signal for our front office. When a young, talented player with upside like McTavish is suddenly on the market, you know General Manager Ron Francis and the scouts need to be ready to pounce. Keep your eyes glued to the trade wire, 12s, because if a player of this caliber can shake loose, our Kraken absolutely have to be in the conversation to bring that kind of talent to Climate Pledge Arena. Let's see what kind of fireworks these summer trade rumors bring!

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.