MLive’s Ansar Khan discusses the Mason McTavish trade rumors this afternoon, and Khan is blunt and to the point here:
The Red Wings probably don’t have the assets it would take to get MacTavish or at least would be reluctant to part with what it would cost.
Moving any combination of Jonatan Berggren, a second-tier prospect and a second round or lower pick isn’t going to get it done.
Perhaps the Ducks would be interested in Nate Danielson, the center selected No. 9 overall in 2023. But Danielson is unproven, coming off his first season with the Grand Rapids Griffins during which he did not stand out (12 goals, 39 points in 71 games). It would take more than Danielson to land a proven NHL center in MacTavish, who has averaged 20 goals and 47 points in three seasons.
Anaheim’s asking price likely would start with Marco Kasper or defense prospect Axel Sandin Pellikka. At that point, it doesn’t make sense for the Red Wings.
Here’s his bottom line:
Yzerman undoubtedly feels pressure to make a move after the thin free-agent market yielded only a few supporting pieces (forwards James van Riemsdyk and Mason Appleton and defensemen Jacob Bernard-Docker and Travis Hamonic). But he’s not going to make a trade out of panic.
Forget about any team tendering MacTavish an offer sheet, which is rare anyway. The Ducks have more than $20 million in cap space and would match any offer.
Much like the Red Wings signed Lucas Raymond just prior to training camp last year and inked Moritz Seider during camp, chances are the Ducks will sign MacTavish when the urgency escalates. And if they move him, it’s highly unlikely Detroit will be the landing spot.
