Bruins consider bold offer for McTavish as they aim to reignite playoff dreams after offseason overhaul

The Boston Bruins are determined to rebound swiftly from a disappointing previous season, and they are making strategic moves to bolster their roster. As they continue to reshape their team, the Bruins are actively exploring options to acquire another top-six forward. With many marquee names already off the board, NHL analyst Shayna Goldman has suggested that Boston could pursue an offer sheet for Anaheim Ducks forward Mason McTavish.

Goldman likened McTavish’s situation to that of Dylan Strome, a player who blossomed later in his career after finding the right environment. She stated, “Anyone willing to roll the dice on McTavish has to see a little Dylan Strome in him — a late-bloomer who needs the right opportunity.” For teams like the Bruins, Canadiens, Flames, and Red Wings, taking a chance on McTavish could prove beneficial. At the very least, it could unsettle Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek, who might feel compelled to match any offer. At best, Boston could secure a talented 22-year-old center who could thrive with a fresh start.

McTavish’s Rising Stock

As a restricted free agent (RFA), McTavish represents a valuable addition to any lineup seeking youth and scoring prowess. He finished the last season with career highs, tallying 22 goals and 30 assists for a total of 52 points in 76 games. While he could potentially fill the role of second-line center in Boston, uncertainty looms over whether the Bruins will follow through with an offer sheet. The Ducks are likely to match any offer, as they would prefer not to forfeit draft picks and may explore trade opportunities for McTavish instead.

Despite being the third overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft, the Ducks appear hesitant to commit long-term to McTavish. Goldman noted, “The Ducks may not want to make a commitment of that magnitude just yet,” pointing out that McTavish has not yet firmly established himself as a true top-six center. Comparisons to players like Max Comtois, Max Domi, and Casey Mittelstadt introduce questions about the depth of McTavish’s game. Even with financial flexibility, Anaheim’s management might be cautious about locking in a sizable extension prematurely.

With a significant drop in performance last season, the Bruins have been proactive during the offseason, adding key players to enhance their roster. The team has welcomed Viktor Arvidsson, Tanner Jeannot, Michael Eyssimont, Sean Kuraly, and Jordan Harris, all of whom are expected to contribute at the NHL level. General manager Don Sweeney has expressed confidence in the team’s ability to become more competitive, stating, “We were going to put together a competitive team with bringing some juice back (to Boston)… I do believe when you put the whole group together, what they’re capable of doing, we’ll score enough if we play the right way. And we’ll defend a hell of a lot better. I expect our goaltending to be significantly better.”

The Bruins are firmly focused on a playoff return after finishing with the fifth-worst record in the NHL last year. As they gear up for the upcoming season, the potential pursuit of McTavish could be a pivotal move in their quest to reclaim competitive status in the league.