NHL rumors: Could Ducks package Mason McTavish in blockbuster Auston Matthews trade offer?

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The Anaheim Ducks made the playoffs for the first time in eight years, beating the Edmonton Oilers in the first round. That sets up GM Pat Verbeek to make a big move to entrench themselves as Western Conference contenders. The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun says the Ducks may trade Mason McTavish, but only to land a player like Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews.

“One player who fits that criteria is 23-year-old forward Mason McTavish, which is a little obvious after he was scratched for two playoff games. I have zero evidence to suggest the Anaheim Ducks are the ones picking up the phone and calling teams about him. But I know for a fact that several teams have inquired about him,” LeBrun reported.

“Well, if Auston Matthews watches the Toronto Maple Leafs’ offseason play out over the next five or six weeks and decides he’s not sure they are still a contender and says he’s open to a move, I would venture to guess Anaheim would be on his list of seven or eight potential desired landing spots. And the Ducks would have the pieces to make it work in a larger package,” LeBrun continued.

The Maple Leafs cleaned house this offseason, bringing in new general manager John Chayka. Head coach Craig Berube is gone, but they have not hired a replacement yet. If Chayka and the new coach decide on a full-scale rebuild, trading Matthews could happen this summer.

McTavish had a sluggish season, managing just 41 points in the regular season. But his contract dispute likely played a role, so the Maple Leafs can bet he turns it around. McTavish also would not be the only piece of the trade, as multiple first-round picks would be going the other way.

Could the Matthews-to-Anaheim trade go down this offseason?

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