The Detroit Red Wings came close to the playoffs in 2024-25. While adding a depth forward or top-pairing defender might improve their odds, a true second-line center could push them over the edge.
Heavy.com proposed a deal that would see the Red Wings land the coveted Mason McTavish from the Anaheim Ducks. The Red Wings can sacrifice a little bit of the future to get better today by giving up one of their top prospects in this proposal.
Red Wings Acquire:
- Mason McTavish (RFA)
Ducks Acquire:
- Axel Sandin-Pellikka ($918,333)
- Andrew Copp ($5,625,000)
This would be a massive deal for both organizations. The Red Wings would receive the second-line center that everyone wants, while the Ducks would add an excellent middle-six center and a blue-chip defense prospect who can contribute to the NHL team in a year or two.
In this proposal, the Red Wings could acquire 22-year-old McTavish. The young forward was drafted third overall in 2021 by the Ducks. The 6-foot-1, 219 lb center is coming off a career-best season where he recorded 22 goals and 52 points in 76 games.
The Ducks would receive Axel Sandin-Pellikka. The 20-year-old is a right-handed defender, drafted 17th overall in 2023. The 5-foot-11, 176 lb blueliner recorded 29 points in 46 SHL games in 2024-25.
Additionally, the Ducks would add the 31-year-old forward, Andrew Copp. The 6-foot-1 forward was the 104th overall selection by the Winnipeg Jets in 2013. Copp recorded 23 points in 56 games last year.
Red Wings Have Entered the Mason McTavish Sweepstakes
Jimmy Murphy of RG released a report on Wednesday about the Red Wings’ interest in McTavish.
“I’ve heard the Canadiens and Hurricanes have been keeping tabs, but one team I keep hearing that has continued to show strong interest is the Detroit Red Wings,” Murphy wrote. “Obviously, there’s a history there with Pat [Verbeek] and Steve [Yzerman].”
“I really think Steve sees McTavish as a player that would clearly change the whole dynamic of his team up the middle there.”
An offer sheet hasn’t happened yet because of the $20 million in cap space the Ducks have. That kind of space allows them to match any offer sheet thrown at them.
According to a source that Murphy describes as being an “NHL executive who has been involved in some of the trade talks on McTavish,” the Ducks want to sign McTavish and need a mind-blowing offer to make them reconsider.
“Unless you’re willing to get creative and knock Pat’s socks off with a monster offer, I don’t see him getting traded at this point,” Murphy continues. “A right-shot, top-four and future top-pairing defenseman would be the starting point from what I know. I don’t see the Wings moving Moritz Seider, so you’re likely talking Axel Sandin-Pellikka.”
While adding a young player with potential upside would be a good bet, McTavish has already hit the 20-goal, 50-point threshold, with more room to grow.
Red Wings Are a Great Fit For McTavish
While Sandin-Pellikka has a lot of talent, players like McTavish don’t become available every day.
McTavish’s 52 points have him ranked second among all Ducks. He played the fifth-most per game (16:53), and had the best faceoff win percentage (50.7) among Ducks centers who took at least 700 faceoffs.
Only four Red Wings players recorded more points than McTavish: Lucas Raymond, Alex DeBrincat, Dylan Larkin, and Patrick Kane. Additionally, the only Red Wings center to have better success in the faceoff dot was Larkin.
The Red Wings have the cap space to fulfill McTavish’s contract demands. AFP Analytics has him pegged for a $6,772,000 six-year deal. Ben Kuzma of The Province reported that the players’ camp is looking for a new deal in the $7-8 million range per season.
The Red Wings have $12,086,628 in cap space.
Red Wings Send Out Best Prospect Now in Massive Trade Proposal