Why Bruins Are Being Linked To Ducks’ Mason McTavish
The Boston Bruins could be eyeing their biggest offseason swing yet — a potential offer sheet for Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish.
Boston is one of four teams linked to the 22-year-old restricted free agent, whose next deal remains unsigned. It would take a serious number to make Anaheim think twice, but some believe the Bruins might be bold enough to test the waters.
“It’s worth throwing a dart this summer,” wrote Shayna Goldman of The Athletic, who included the Bruins alongside the Montreal Canadiens, Calgary Flames and Detroit Red Wings as teams that should consider an offer. Goldman noted that any club willing to roll the dice on McTavish needs to “see a little Dylan Strome in him — a late-bloomer who needs the right opportunity.”
That kind of upside might be exactly what Boston is missing. McTavish is a gritty, net-driven forward with a knack for creating chaos around the crease and capitalizing on rebounds. In 76 games with the Ducks last season, he recorded 30 assists and 22 goals, including two game-winners. He also brings defensive energy away from the puck, something the Bruins organization has long favored.
Making it happen would require navigating two major hurdles. The first is cap space. Boston sits about $2 million below the ceiling, which falls well short of the $7.02 million offer sheet threshold needed to generate meaningful pressure on Anaheim.
The second challenge is risk tolerance. The Bruins own two first-round picks in 2026, including the Toronto Maple Leafs’, but league rules require teams to use their own in offer sheet compensation. That means if the Bruins have another down year, they could be giving up a lottery pick in a loaded draft class.
Any deal for McTavish will likely require precise financial maneuvering and front-office conviction. Anaheim, flush with cap space, could still match.
The safer route would be waiting to add more firepower in unrestricted free agency. But if the Bruins believe McTavish can thrive in a new system and if they see a top-six future worth betting on this summer could be the time to strike.