The Ides of August have arrived, and the Anaheim Ducks, along with general manager Pat Verbeek, still have one outstanding order of business in which to attend: the signing of RFA center Mason McTavish.

As there are teams that could regress every season, there are also ones that could take steps forward and build off what they started in 2024-25. That doesn’t necessarily mean…

Radko Gudas is one tough son of a gun. Known for his booming hits and the occasional booming slap shot, power has always been part of Gudas' game. His trademark physicality has been valued around the NHL and he was named captain of the Anaheim Ducks prior to the 2024-25 season.

McTavish likely to stay in Anaheim

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Despite their relative inactivity this offseason, the Detroit Red Wings have been a constant presence in the rumor mill since the 2024-25 season concluded. First, there were a handful of…

NHL analyst Marco D’Amico spoke about Anaheim Ducks centre Mason McTavish's trade rumors. McTavish is a restricted free agent after his last contract ended in 2024-25.

Alumni team to feature former Ducks Kevin Bieksa, Bryan Allen, Mark Mowers, Corey Tropp and Terry Yake in addition to other NHL alumni

The post appeared first on . From McTavish to Robertson and even Karlsson, a mock trade list imagines bold moves that could push the Red Wings closer to contention. The post appeared first on .

Read about ’s production, analytics, and trajectory compared to NHL stars and — plus what it means for his next contract. How Leo Carlsson Stacks Up Against Comparable NHL Stars Leo Carlsson isn’t just — he’s a centre drafted second overall, sharing that distinction with Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov. With his entry-level deal set to expire in 2026, Carlsson’s place among the league’s top pivots is becoming a pressing topic for the This season provided another glimpse into where Carlsson is now, where he could go, and how he stacks up against established NHL stars like Barkov and Mika Zibanejad. The comparisons don’t just shape perception — they will help determine his next contract. Leo Carlsson Current Performance Carlsson’s 2024–25 campaign featured 20 goals and 25 assists in His 5-on-5 relative numbers (+2.20 CF%, +1.70 DFF%) indicate Anaheim controls more of the play with him on the ice. data places him slightly above average offensively (+0.4) and a step below defensively (-0.9). WAR model rates him in the 86th percentile, fuelled by elite finishing (83rd percentile) and strong power-play work (80th percentile). Playmaking remains an area for improvement, with a low 1st-assists rate (21st percentile). The trend lines also tell an important story. Carlsson started the year with a negative net rating, bottoming out in December before steadily improving in the second half. That trajectory is what gives Anaheim hope he can eventually be mentioned in the same breath as Barkov and Zibanejad. Leo Carlsson Comparables Two established NHL stars provide natural benchmarks for Carlsson’s game and potential. Mika Zibanejad () – According to JFresh, Zibanejad is Carlsson’s closest stylistic match. Zibanejad thrives as a dual threat — capable of scoring 20+ goals and dishing 40+ assists — but is not a perennial Selke contender. His $8.5M AAV , signed at age 28, reflects top-line offensive value without elite defensive metrics. Aleksander Barkov () – Also a second-overall pick, Barkov represents the two-way gold standard. His and $10M AAV contract signed at age 26 came after proving himself as an all-situations force. Barkov’s profile shows elite contributions in both offence (+8.1) and defence (+8.1). Comparison Table (2024-2025 Season) Player Age GP G A P Off Rating Def Rating Net Rating Contract AAV WAR % Finishing % Leo Carlsson 20 76 20 25 45 +0.4 -0.9 -0.4 $0.95M 86% 83% Aleksander Barkov 29 67 20 51 71 +8.1 +8.1 +16.2 $10.0M 96% 58% Mika Zibanejad 32 82 20 42 62 +5.3 +0.5 +5.8 $8.5M 88% 70% Contract Implications for Leo Carlsson ’s as Ducks GM suggests he favours bridge deals for young players who haven’t fully established their ceiling. A short-term extension in the $6.5M–$7.5M AAV range would fit this approach, giving Anaheim time to see if Carlsson’s trajectory is more Zibanejad or Barkov. According to , Carlsson's current value is around the $5M AAV range. The rising NHL salary cap will also be a factor. For Carlsson, a bridge deal now could set him up for a massive long-term payday when he’s in his mid-20s, especially if he develops into an elite two-way centre. Leo Carlsson's Road to Elite Status Carlsson’s path resembles the early years of both Zibanejad and Barkov: flashes of high-end skill, stretches of inconsistency, and steady improvements in underlying play-driving numbers. The offensive talent is already there — few 20-year-old centres combine his size, shot, and finishing touch. The next step is rounding out his defensive game. Barkov’s value comes from suppressing elite opponents, tilting the ice in his team’s favour, and still producing offensively. If Carlsson can close that defensive gap while maintaining his scoring touch, he’ll be a legitimate $10M+ centre in his next long-term deal. For now, Anaheim holds the cards. They can commit big early or take the bridge route. Either way, Carlsson’s peers make one thing clear — his ceiling is among the NHL’s most valuable centres. Main Photo: Jerome Miron- Imagn Images The post appeared first on .

It’s time for another edition of NHL Rumours. While the off-season rolls on, several high-profile restricted free agents remain unsigned. One of the most notable names still on the board is centre . The 22-year-old is coming off his entry-level deal, and negotiations with general manager have yet to produce a new contract. The have cap flexibility, but their patient GM is known for taking his time to secure the right deal. All come from the original source and are subject to change. NHL Rumours: Contract Talks with Anaheim Ducks Rumour: Anthony Di Marco of it is “hard to see a world” where Verbeek trades McTavish, describing him as a long-term core piece. Verbeek’s negotiating style—honed under —often involves playing out situations where he holds leverage. Meanwhile, Sportsnet notes the Ducks have yet to exchange contract numbers as of mid-June, though comparables like , , and ’s $6.25m AAV extension could frame the talks. Analysis: Mason McTavish posted 24 goals and 32 assists for 56 points last season, ranking in the 70th percentile for scoring among forwards. The Athletic's pegs his market value around $5 million, so a $6-7m AAV would not be an overpay, especially considering the rising salary cap. His +7 offensive rating highlights his role as an elite play driver, while his defensive metrics remain an area for improvement. With in part to solidify McTavish’s spot as the club’s second centre, Anaheim’s internal plan clearly revolves around keeping him. Fans should expect a Mason McTavish contract before the season begins in October. Why Things Could Go Wrong Rumour: Both Daily Faceoff and Sportsnet point to the risk of strained relations if negotiations drag on. Analysis: While holds the upper hand—McTavish lacks arbitration rights and is offer-sheet eligible but easily matchable—the danger lies in pushing too hard. A prolonged negotiation standoff, a situation Verbeek regularly finds himself in, could damage trust, especially for a young player already entrenched in the leadership group and as a core piece. Why McTavish Will Stay Rumour: Management views McTavish as a “very important” player to the organization. Analysis: Anaheim has over $30 million in cap space, a proven willingness to spend on core talent, and no intention of trading their franchise centre. Whether it’s a bridge deal or mid-term contract, the Ducks can match any outside offer, making his departure highly improbable. This is something we broke down even further in a . What a New Mason McTavish Contract Means to the Ducks Signing McTavish would lock in a high-end centre for the foreseeable future, ensuring the Ducks’ rebuild stays centred around him, , and . It would also set a financial benchmark for future deals with other young stars. In the immediate term, it stabilizes the lineup and gives Anaheim another offensive focal point that they need heading into 2025–26. Main Photo by: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images The post appeared first on .

The summer is winding down across the NHL, but a rich group of remaining restricted-free agents are keeping multiple teams from closing their books just yet. There are still multiple top, young players awaiting contracts for the 2025-26 season – including top-line features like Luke Hughes, Marco Rossi, and Mason McTavish. Pending any holdouts, it…

The post appeared first on . Trade talks swirl around McTavish and Andersson as Penguins rebuild, while Paul Coffey’s role sparks debate in Edmonton. The post appeared first on .

There's still just over a month until teams hit the ice for training camp, but the 2025-26 NHL regular season schedule has been known for almost a month. There are plenty of eye-catching matchups for the Ducks this season. Five of them have been highlighted as must-watch.