Sometimes, it seems, that general managers end up with an infinity for each other. They end up trusting each other, making deals that benefit each side. It would seem as if one of these relationships is brewing between Danny Briere and Anaheim Ducks’ GM, Pat Verbeek.<\/p>\n
Twice over the last two years, the two connected for trades. The first trade was the Cutter Gauthier-Jamie Drysdale transaction. The Ducks gave the Flyers a rather fair deal, considering Gauthier didn’t want to play in Philly. Recently, the two teams swapped Ryan Poehling for Trevor Zegras. <\/p>\n
Now, in both trades, the Flyers received players who have an injury history. They had previously shown talent, but injuries have taken a toll on their young careers. If Zegras and Drysdale work out, these trades could end up becoming steals for the Flyers. <\/p>\n
There is a possibility the two teams could connect on another deal. <\/p>\n
Could the Flyers land McTavish?<\/p>\n
Frank Seravalli: Re Mason McTavish: I think a change of scenery would be good for him, I think there’s a lot of teams that are interested; some teams have tried to work on…an offer sheet – Bleacher Report (Jul 15)<\/p>\n
\u2014 NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) July 18, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n Frank Seravalli, on an episode of NHL Offseason Rumors<\/a>, speculated the availability of McTavish. Now, this is not a public spat, like with Columbus and Yegor Chinakhov<\/a>. This is a team that, despite having over $22 million in cap space, has been unable to sign the RFA to a long-term deal. It’s getting to the point where other teams are starting to inquire. <\/p>\n The weird thing is, there is no reported reason for a rift. The Ducks have lots of money, so any offer sheer could easily be matched as Seravalli would later add. Likewise, would any team want to want to lose the necessary draft picks if the Ducks let them walk? Perhaps they are playing the “long game” and hoping to offer him a contract that is more than the $894,167 he’s making now, but way under the $5-$6 million he is reportedly asking for.<\/p>\n Is McTavish Worth It?<\/p>\n The 2021 third overall pick has not had a stellar career thus far. He had his best year, statistically, this past season. He scored 22 goals with 30 assists. He also set a career high with 70 hits, playing just shy of 17 minutes a game. More than that, he is just 22 years old. He has time to improve.<\/p>\n His numbers don’t warrant a $5 million contract. To be fair, he’s played on the Ducks for the last four seasons. That team has been near the basement of the Pacific Division in each season he’s played. Their playoff drought extends back to 2017, when they fell in the Western Conference Final to Nashville. It’s not like he’s had a lot of great players to work with. Maybe a change of scenery would do him well?<\/p>\n McTavish is 6’1″ and 219. He shoots left handed. He can play center, where he’s won slightly more than 50% of his faceoffs, but can slide over to the left wing position. Both of these are positions the Flyers could use help at. He likes to be physical, which might be a trait that new coach Rick Tocchet could unleash and nourish. <\/p>\n What would the cost be?<\/p>\n First off, the Ducks are a little light when it comes to young defenders. One (or more) of the Flyers young defenders with NHL experience might have to be sacrificed: Egor Zamula, Helge Grans, or Emil Andrae. That’s a start. They’d probably want a young forward with some promise. This is where Bobby Brink could easily slide in. Maybe a prospect like Samu Tuomaala or Massimo Rizzo could be tossed in. <\/p>\n Interestingly enough, moving some of those players helps clear up some logjams. Brink could open a spot for Porter Martone. Zamula\/Grans\/Andrae, not only could open a spot for each other, but maybe Oliver Bonk as well.<\/p>\n It might also require a draft pick. Is McTavish worth a first rounder? Would it be wise to offer up one of the two 2027 first round picks? Would it cost more?<\/p>\n It depends on what other teams would be offering the Ducks in return. If it becomes a bidding war, it might get too costly for Briere and Philly.<\/p>\n However, the Flyers are usually on the wrong side of a team giving up on a prospect. A change of scenery could be the difference. Maybe playing with Owen Tippett, Matvei Michkov, Martone, etc. would unlock his skills. <\/p>\n Verbeek and Briere have a history and trust each other. Maybe it would behoove Briere to see what kind of player McTavish is by talking to Zegras. Who knows…maybe he is a lousy teammate? Maybe he is the type of player that the Flyers could use.<\/p>\n Is it a deal the Flyers need to make? Perhaps not. However, is it worth picking up the phone and dialing Verbeek to see what’s up? Maybe.<\/p>\n