The Toronto Maple Leafs should be looking to improve their roster during the offseason. After how poorly their 2025-26 campaign went, it is clear that they have multiple roster needs to address if they hope to be better next season.
One area that the Maple Leafs should be looking to improve is at the center position. Bringing in another skilled center along with Auston Matthews and John Tavares would be huge for a Maple Leafs club that will be looking for better results in 2026-27.
Because of this, the Maple Leafs have been named among the teams interested in one of the NHL’s most intriguing trade candidates heading into the offseason.
Maple Leafs Named Among Teams Interested in Ducks Forward Mason McTavish
The Fourth Period recently reported that the Anaheim Ducks are willing to listen to trade offers for young center Mason McTavish.
“As Ducks GM Pat Verbeek looks to further improve his roster for next season, one player he is willing to take calls on is young forward Mason McTavish,” The Fourth Period wrote.
The Fourth Period then also shared that the Maple Leafs are among the teams with trade interest in McTavish.
“Several teams are believed to have interest in McTavish, including the Toronto Maple Leafs, St. Louis Blues and Winnipeg Jets, among others,” The Fourth Period wrote.
Hearing that the Maple Leafs are among the teams interested in McTavish is not surprising in the slightest. He is exactly the kind of young star center that the Maple Leafs should be looking to bring in as they continue their retool.
McTavish had a down year for his standards in 2025-26, as he recorded 17 goals and 41 points in 75 games. Yet, when noting that he set career highs with 22 goals, 30 assists, and 52 points in 76 games, there is a clear reason to believe that he can bounce back in a significant role on a team like the Maple Leafs. This is especially so when noting that he is only 23 years old and is still young enough to hit a new level.
McTavish would be more than a rental for the Maple Leafs if acquired, too, as he is entering just the second season of his six-year, $42 million contract in 2026-27. This adds to his appeal, as he would be a long-term part of Toronto’s core if brought in.
Where McTavish Could Fit in the Maple Leafs’ Lineup
If the Maple Leafs acquired McTavish from the Ducks, he could slot nicely as their second-line center if Tavares moved to the wing. However, McTavish is also capable of playing on the wing, so he could work on the Maple Leafs’ first line with Matthews centering him. In either scenario, McTavish would have the potential to provide Toronto’s top six with a much-needed boost.
McTavish’s offensive skill would also make him a clear option for Toronto’s power play if successfully acquired.
Ultimately, with the Maple Leafs’ roster needing a boost, it would make a lot of sense for them to bring in a power forward with good upside like McTavish. It will be interesting to see if they do just that from here.
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