Mason McTavish’s Absence from Training Camp
Mason McTavish, the talented center for the Anaheim Ducks, is currently absent from the team’s training camp due to ongoing contract negotiations, a situation that general manager Pat Verbeek expressed disappointment over. McTavish, 22, remains a restricted free agent and has been unable to finalize a long-term agreement or a bridge deal with the Ducks, despite months of discussions. While he had briefly skated with teammates in Orange County earlier this week, he returned to Canada as the Ducks commenced their first full practices under new head coach Joel Quenneville on Thursday.
General Manager’s Concerns
Verbeek lamented McTavish’s absence, noting the significance of the team’s new coaching staff and the excitement surrounding changes within the organization.
“It’s disappointing that he’s not here, obviously,”
Verbeek commented. He highlighted the importance of training camp for player development, particularly at a time when a new system is being introduced, indicating that McTavish will have a steep learning curve upon his return.
McTavish’s Career Highlights
Drafted third overall by the Ducks in 2021, McTavish has played three full seasons with the team, accumulating 60 goals and 80 assists in 229 games. Last season, he achieved career-highs with 22 goals and 30 assists, and he is anticipated to take on a pivotal role as the second-line center moving forward. The Ducks made a notable decision this summer to trade Trevor Zegras, reflecting Verbeek’s faith in McTavish and another player, Leo Carlsson, as the franchise’s key centers.
Challenges of Missing Training Camp
Verbeek acknowledged the difficulty players face when they miss training camp, referencing his own experience of holding out for a single day during his playing days with the New Jersey Devils for a contract disagreement in 1991. He has dealt with similar situations in his current role, such as when defenseman Jamie Drysdale also missed camp in 2023 as a restricted free agent, though both Drysdale and Zegras later secured contracts.
Ongoing Negotiations and Future Outlook
In August 2023, Verbeek finalized a lengthy negotiation with forward Troy Terry, resulting in a seven-year, $49 million agreement. Current discussions with McTavish’s representatives are reported to be ongoing, with Verbeek expressing optimism about future developments as they continue to work towards a resolution.
Team Aspirations
The Ducks are eager to break their streak of seven consecutive playoff misses, and Verbeek remains hopeful that the team can make the postseason this year under Quenneville’s leadership. However, he acknowledged that McTavish’s unique skills and contributions will be crucial to achieving that goal. Ducks captain Radko Gudas echoed the sentiment, emphasizing McTavish’s integral role within the team and expressing hope that the contract issues would soon be resolved, allowing the team to reunite with an essential player.
