Could Mason McTavish Emerge as the Next Big Star for the Senators?

Trading for NHL players often resembles navigating the stock market, where teams seek out undervalued assets that have underperformed but possess untapped potential. As the offseason progresses, several intriguing targets have emerged, particularly Mason McTavish of the Anaheim Ducks.

McTavish, a 23-year-old center, had a season that fell short of expectations, finishing with 17 goals and 41 points in 75 games. This marked his fourth consecutive season surpassing 40 points, yet it was a decline from his career-best totals of 22 goals and 52 points the previous year. His situation has sparked interest among teams, including the Ottawa Senators, who are actively searching for a top-six forward.

Born in Carp, Ontario, McTavish has local ties that make him an appealing target for the Senators. His family moved from Switzerland when he was just eight, and he honed his skills with the Ottawa Valley Titans and Pembroke Lumber Kings before being selected fifth overall in the 2019 OHL Draft by the Peterborough Petes. The Senators’ management, including Michael Andlauer and Steve Staios, has a history with McTavish, having acquired him during their time with the OHL’s Hamilton Bulldogs. Staios even brought McTavish’s father, Dale, on board as a pro scout shortly after becoming the Senators’ general manager.

The prospect of adding McTavish to the Senators roster is compelling, particularly as they seek a dynamic winger to support Tim Stützle. During the playoffs, Stützle often found himself creating opportunities but lacking the necessary support. Although NHL Edge data reveals that McTavish’s skating metrics rank below the 50th percentile, his addition could allow Ottawa to utilize Dylan Cozens on the wing, where he excelled during international play.

Cozens had a standout tournament, recording four goals and seven points in ten games, and his speed metrics were impressive, placing him in the 84th and 91st percentiles for max skating speed and speed bursts, respectively. Given Cozens’ resurgent season, scoring 28 goals and 59 points, the Senators may consider this strategic shift, especially if they believe Cozens’ success was bolstered by playing alongside Brady Tkachuk.

McTavish’s offensive metrics suggest he could thrive in a more structured environment like Ottawa’s, where players have demonstrated strong underlying stats under coach Travis Green. While his defensive numbers reflect the Ducks’ high-risk style of play, there is optimism that McTavish’s competitiveness could help him adapt and contribute positively to the Senators.

His situation bears resemblance to that of Sam Bennett, who after a few productive seasons in Calgary was traded to the Florida Panthers. Bennett found new life in Florida, becoming an integral part of two championship teams. While McTavish may not replicate Bennett’s trajectory, the parallels are striking enough to warrant consideration. The Senators will need to weigh the potential cost against the projected future value of acquiring McTavish, but if they can find a way to make it work, it could be a transformative move.

Even if McTavish isn’t the chosen target, the Senators are likely to broaden their search for a top-six forward. Staios and his management team are known for their thoroughness and willingness to explore various options to enhance the team’s competitiveness.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.