McTavish stands out as Utah’s ideal No. 2 center: big, physical, and a superb finisher who can drive a top PP unit. His age aligns with Utah’s core, and his skill set complements the Mammoth’s wingers, particularly in a role that could center a high-powered line with Cooley and Guenther, while also enabling Hayton to shift to a 3C spot.

McTavish is cited as a top center option in the broader debate over Nashville’s 1C needs, though his current trajectory in Anaheim carries a developmental arc that may complicate a Predators pursuit. His upside is high, but his immediate impact depends on Ducks' plans.

Mason McTavish sits as the focal point of Anaheim’s RFAs, with the Ducks seeking a path that preserves his developmental trajectory while balancing a veteran-forward group. The hold-up centers on role clarity and how Quenneville’s bench decisions will shape his ice time and long-term upside. The negotiation sits at the intersection of youth growth and roster practicality, with potential trade discussions on the periphery if a win-now move becomes appealing.

McTavish is cited in Penguins’ rumor chatter as a potential landing spot, reflecting the broader spectrum of big-name contract talk across the league. His current Ducks affiliation anchors the reality that trades or moves would shape rosters across conferences.

McTavish surfaces as a related name in the wheels-and-deals chatter, highlighting the broader implications of rookie-to-elite progression and how teams weigh young assets against established scorers in shaping trades and extensions.