Mason McTavish is locked in with Anaheim on a six-year, $42 million deal (AAV $7M), ensuring he guards a top-2 center role as the Ducks pursue stability under new coach Joel Quenneville. A single phone call swung negotiations—McTavish’s camp wanted seven-to-eight years at $7M AAV, the Ducks sought four-to-five years around $6M. The compromise lands him in camp with clear prominence and mirrors the contracts of Troy Terry and Mikael Granlund, anchoring Anaheim’s long-term core.

Mason McTavish is absent from Ducks camp amid a contract dispute, leaving Anaheim to start under Joel Quenneville without its expected second-line center. Verbeek calls the holdout disappointing but notes talks have progressed and reps in a new system are essential for a fast ramp.

The Ducks envision McTavish and Leo Carlsson as their future top pivot duo after trading Trevor Zegras this summer. McTavish, 22, posted 52 points last season and is central to Anaheim’s playoff chances, provided a deal is reached in time for the season's start.

Late-round gems in the NHL draft can lead to impactful careers, even as scouting and analytics improve draft strategies. Players like Lane Hutson, drafted 62nd overall, exemplify this, as he should have been picked earlier. Recent success stories include Troy Terry (148th), Andrew Mangiapane (166th), and Mark Stone (178th), all of whom overcame doubts about their size and skill. The key to their success lies in possessing elite attributes that set them apart.

This year's draft presents potential diamonds in the rough, even as odds diminish for players selected after the third round. Notable prospects include Cameron Schmidt, a dynamic scorer despite his smaller stature, and Jacob Rombach, a towering defenseman with shutdown potential. Teams seek separating skills, and players like Viktor Klingsell and David Bedkowski have shown flashes of their unique talents in international play. These players embody the essence of late-round success, defying the odds stacked against them.

The 2025 Stanley Pup event is set to bring even more excitement than its predecessor, featuring 32 adoptable rescue dogs showcasing their talents on ice. Scheduled for June 6, the event will be broadcast live from 7 p.m. ET on TruTV, with encore presentations on NHL Network and various digital platforms.

This unique competition, organized by the NHL and Petco Love, emphasizes pet adoption and aims to spread joy while entertaining fans. Celebrity commentators will include Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis, who will join a lineup of dog-loving stars. The event promises to be a fun-filled family affair, with playful pups representing each NHL team and a special appearance by a singing pig.