Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported on Saturday that the 22-year-old centre is closing in on a six-year contract extension worth $42 million. The deal carries a $7 million average annual value.

McTavish and the Ducks had spent most of the off-season in a contract dispute as the centreman wrapped up his entry-level deal and became a restricted free agent.

The centreman spent last week skating with the OHL Ottawa 67s as he awaited a new contract, hoping to stay in playing shape as he was unable to suit up for pre-season games with Anaheim.

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According to Friedman, the hangup between the two sides was mostly due to term, with the Ducks preferring to sign him long term rather than to a bridge deal.

With the departure of Trevor Zegras over the off-season, McTavish now leads the young contingent on the Ducks and will be expected to take a step forward in his fifth NHL season.

McTavish was drafted by the Ducks as the third-overall pick in 2021. 

In 2024-25, McTavish posted career highs in goals (22), assists (30) and points (52) across 76 games. Through 229 career games with the Ducks, he has recorded 140 points (60 goals and 80 assists). 

With McTavish now under contract, defenceman Luke Hughes of the New Jersey Devils is the last high-profile restricted free agent still awaiting a contract.