With few big names remaining in free agency, Anaheim RFA Mason McTavish stands out as a big name still unsigned as training camps loom next month. The prospects of McTavish remaining in Orange County seem high, but it hasn't stopped teams for checking in, including the Carolina Hurricanes.
It has been reported that the Hurricanes are "keeping tabs" on McTavish, should the Ducks not reach a deal with him and opt for a trade. The Detroit Red Wings are also said to have major interest in McTavish, while the Canadiens are also floating the idea around.
McTavish's third full campaign in the NHL was his best yet, topping 20 goals and 50 points for the first time (22-30-52) in 76 games. Anaheim trading such a promising young star this early into his career would be a mistake, but the Hurricanes would be more than willing to swoop in and pick up another valuable piece.
The Red Wings might have the inside track to land McTavish, with Detroit GM Steve Yzerman and Anaheim GM Pat Verbeek playing together during their NHL careers. They, like the Hurricanes, also have a ton of cap space to play with, coming in at around $12 million.
Getting McTavish to Raleigh isn't an issue of finances. It's more about the assets the Hurricanes would be willing to part with to get the job done. They don't have the draft capital to overwhelm the Ducks, but they could use their relatively deep prospect pool to do it. It would likely need to be a very big package to seal the deal. This could deter the Canes from getting it done.
If it were to happen, Jesperi Kotkaniemi's name is likely to swirl around the rumor mill. It would only make sense to swap him with McTavish, unless the Canes want him to be their fourth-line center at almost $5 million for five more years. We could also see names like Bradly Nadeau, Jayden Perron, and Justin Robidas in potential packages.
This is purely speculation. I don't doubt the Hurricanes are checking in. I doubt how serious they are in getting him. McTavish could come for too high a price. We also don't know whether he's willing to sign in Raleigh for six-to-eight years. We've seen several guys do it this offseason, but North Carolina isn't for everyone. I'm not putting anything past Eric Tulsky. He might have something brewing.