Atlantic Team Reportedly Walks Away From Mason McTavish Offer Sheet for One Specific Reason

Mason McTavish appears to have a very bright future in the National Hockey League, but even after a very productive season, the Anaheim Ducks appear hesitant to give him a long-term extension.

That has opened him up to be vulnerable to an offer sheet this off-season, and while there's been speculation about it, thus far, no team has taken the leap and offered him a deal.

One team that has been speculated to be interested is the Detroit Red Wings, a team that is desperate to land young talented players to lead them into a successful future.

While McTavish appears to fit the bill, but on the latest episode of the 32 Thoughts podcast, NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman revealed why the Red Wings appear to be pulling out of a potential offer sheet with the talented forward.

According to Friedman, it has to do with teams not wanting to give up potential tickets to the Gavin McKenna lottery, with the Canadian forward expected to be the next big superstar to enter the National Hockey League in the 2026 draft.

If a team were to make McTavish a big time offer, it may involve a first-round pick in 2026, but thus far teams have been very hesitant to move those in trades given how deep next years draft class is, and with the chance to land a franchise defining star in McKenna, it makes sense that teams like Detroit would not want to give up that opportunity.