The Detroit Red Wings have made numerous additions to their lineup in the offseason through both free agency and trade, though none of the moves could accurately be described as a major "splash" acquisition.
While there is still well over a month between now and the start of Red Wings Training Camp in mid-September, doubt is beginning to creep in on whether they'll ultimately pull the trigger and acquire a new, high-profile figure.
While the Red Wings have re-signed their restricted free agents in Albert Johansson, Jonatan Berggren, and Elmer Soderblom, one team that still has a notable RFA yet to be locked down is the Anaheim Ducks.
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The Ducks haven't had any luck re-signing Mason McTavish, who recently completed his three-year entry-level contract and scored a career-high 22 goals in 76 games for the Ducks last season.
OH, MASON MCTAVISH!! 🥵
That was absolutely gross. pic.twitter.com/4KHDfm2eEi
— NHL (@NHL) April 2, 2025
According to a newly released report from RG.org, an anonymous NHL source has named the Red Wings as a potential landing spot for McTavish if the Ducks can't get him to sign a new deal.
Not only does the source tout the history between former teammates Steve Yzerman and Pat Verbeek, who now serve as the general manager of their respective clubs, but for what McTavish could bring to Detroit's forward units.
“One team I keep hearing that has continued to show strong interest is the Detroit Red Wings," the source explained to RG.org. "Obviously there’s a history there with Pat [Verbeek] and Steve [Yzerman], and I really think Steve sees McTavish as a player that would clearly change the whole dynamic of his team up the middle there.”
Yzerman and Verbeek do have an extensive professional history together. Not only were they teammates on the ice in Detroit from 1999 through 2001, but they also worked together as executives with both the Tampa Bay Lightning and Red Wings; Verbeek worked under Yzerman in both locations before accepting the role as Ducks GM in February 2022.
McTavish, whom the Ducks selected with the third overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft, is known for his offensive flair and often plays in close proximity to the net. He's played in 229 career NHL games, and has scored 60 goals while adding 80 assists.
As it currently stands, the Red Wings have just over $12 million worth of salary cap remaining, which is more than enough to absorb the contract of a significant potential addition.
The Red Wings and Ducks have already made a pair of trades with one another in just over a full calendar year, as Detroit sent oft-injured forward Robby Fabbri to Anaheim last July while acquiring goaltender John Gibson in late June of this year.
Detroit has already been linked as a potential landing spot for McTavish if he and the Ducks can't come to an agreement, and his presence in the lineup would give the Red Wings another offensive weapon capable of playing in the top-six and reaching at least 20 goals.
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