Mason McTavish ready to sign for less money than Nick Suzuki

Mason McTavish is at theheart of a complex situation with the Ducks. The center, who is out of contract for next season, is currently inOttawa to stay in shape as the Ducks' camp gets underway in Anaheim. Clearly, negotiations aren't going anywhere.What we understand is that the Ducks don't seem to want to offer him a long contract. The club wants a transition pact… but even so, they don't want anything to do with trading him.

Elliotte Friedman: Re Mason McTavish: Teams have called; Verbeek has told everybody to get lost, he's not interested in doing that – 32 Thoughts Podcast (9/19)

– NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) September 20, 2025

We still didn't know what the numbers were on this one… but now David Pagnotta (The Fourth Period) has written about it on his website.

According to Pagnotta, the Ducks won't offer him more than $5.5 million a year over five years… while McTavish would like to sign a seven- or eight-year deal for between $7 million and $8 million a year.He's obviously willing to sign for less money than Nick Suzuki ($7.875 million a year).

Per sources, the gap between the Anaheim Ducks & Mason McTavish is wide.

McTavish is open to 7-8 years, Ducks pitched 5.

For your Friday evening reading pleasure, I touch on these negotiations and hit on Malkin, Jarnkrok, Hart, Connor & more https://t.co/hsqoZIKUhZ– David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) September 19, 2025

When you consider that McTavish is a big guy who plays center and found his way to the offensive end last year, it's surprising that the Ducks wouldn't jump at such an offer.

You almost have to wonder why… because at that amount in a salary cap that's only going to skyrocket, it seems like a very, very good deal for a top-6 center.And obviously, from the perspective that the Habs have been linked to McTavish, it's interesting to see that he wouldn't be a problem for the salary structure in town (assuming he'd be willing to sign for the same amount in Montreal). It's logical to think that it would cost the club a lot of money in a trade, but not necessarily in terms of salary.In fact, at the moment, the club doesn't want anything to do with trading him. But as Pierre LeBrun noted, who knows if all that will change if the matter isn't settled in October… and October is only 10 days away.

'Overtime'

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– Of note:

With pro athletes now able to enroll into NCAA colleges, USport has also relaxed their rules and admitting pro athletes.
Joe Vrbetic, former goalie with the ECHL Lions de Trois-Rivières has signed up with Concordia. pic.twitter.com/3FmLRWzgC4

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– The race to the playoffs is crazy in MLB.

And they'll face the Tigers, who are going to the wall, next week. https://t.co/QXUIuIxoM5 –

Passion MLB (@passion_mlb) September 20, 2025