Canadian Team Linked to Top Restricted Free Agent by Journalist
Photo credit: Jess Starr / Hockey Writers
The journalist Patrick Johnson linked the Vancouver Canucks to Mason McTavish, one of the most interesting remaining restricted free agents available.
The Vancouver Canucks are reportedly still exploring all avenues to bolster the middle of the lineup. Filip Chytil is the current second-line center, but his history with concussions makes that situation far from stable ahead of the next season.
That's where Mason McTavish enters the conversation. After reports suggested he could end up changing teams this summer, many organizations have been linked to the player, but most don't make nearly as much sense as the Canucks.
"The Canucks currently have Filip Chytil pencilled in as their second line centre. He did a good job after coming to Vancouver in the trade for J.T. Miller, but the speedy Czech has a long and concerning history with concussions, including one suffered with the Canucks. You can appreciate why the Canucks would be interested in a more durable solution to their second-line problem."
McTavish, 22, is coming off a strong season with Anaheim, where he led the Ducks with 22 goals and 52 points. His skills, style, and size made him a hot commodity this summer. But the price to acquire him won't be cheap, if it's even possible at all.
Johnson added:
"Of course adding McTavish, the third-overall pick in the 2021 draft, will be very hard: he's a highly-regarded player with huge upside and will cost a big price in trade, perhaps more than the Canucks can afford."
AFP Analytics projects McTavish's next deal at six years and $40.6 million, with an annual cap hit of $6.67 million, though reports suggest his camp is holding out for closer to $7-8 million per year.
Vancouver would likely need to part with a roster player, top prospect, and multiple high draft picks to even enter the conversation.
It's a long shot, but the potential fit is undeniable, and needless to say fans would love to see him in Vancouver.
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