McTavish’s Holdout Reveals Anaheim Ducks’ Dependency on Him | NHL News – The Times of India

On September 18, 2025, Anaheim Ducks’ training camp officially commenced without one of their standout younger players, 22-year-old center, Mason McTavish, owing to a pause in contract negotiations. McTavish’s value is reportedly very high in the league, with multiple teams keen to secure a trade deal for him. However, the Ducks seem intent on maintaining him as a cornerstone of their plan for extensive team reconstruction.

McTavish’s holdout became public news when he failed to appear at the Ducks’ training camp on September 18, 2025, the inaugural day for on-ice sessions. He chose instead to maintain fitness levels by practicing with his former Ontario Hockey League junior team, Ottawa 67s, while contract talks stay in progress. Ducks’ general manager (GM), Pat Verbeek, commented on the situation mentioning his disappointing absence.

Verbeek also talked about the challenges of missing camp or joining in mid-camp, stating that pre-season training is crucial in a player’s preparation for the season. Ducks’ captain, Radko Gudas, also expressed hope for a swift resolution while acknowledging McTavish’s importance to the team.

Interestingly, despite multiple teams considering a potential McTavish trade, the Anaheim Ducks’ GM has refused to entertain any such propositions. This has reportedly included discussions with teams such as the Carolina Hurricanes, Calgary Flames, Detroit Red Wings, Montreal Canadiens, Philadelphia Flyers, and Vancouver Canucks.

Verbeek’s staunch refusal to consider a trade underscores McTavish’s importance to the Ducks’ plans for a team overhaul. New head coach, Joel Quenneville, also foresees McTavish as a vital part of their playoff aspirations for the 2025-26 season. McTavish’s absence has led to changes in the team’s lineup, adding pressure on less experienced members.

This holdout stirs memories of previous disagreements between the Ducks and RFAs like Zegras and Jamie Drysdale in 2023. Both players signed three-year contracts but were eventually traded due to injuries and performance issues. This series of events brings to light concerns about potential long-term effects if current discussions persist.

The Ducks and McTavish are hopeful of coming to an agreement soon. Traditionally, NHL holdouts usually conclude before the start of the regular season, but time is seemingly running out before the Ducks’ opening match. If no resolution is reached, McTavish may miss out on crucial progress, and the Ducks may have to start the season missing a key offensive player, further demonstrating their growing dependence on him amidst their significant reconstruction phase.