The Boston Bruins are looking to make a quick turnaround after last year’s disastrous season.
The Bruins have been active this offseason, but still could use another top-six forward. Although most of the big names have signed, NHL insider and analyst Shayna Goldman believes Boston could offer-sheet Anaheim Ducks‘ forward Mason McTavish.
“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,” Goldman wrote. “For some eligible teams, such as the Canadiens, Bruins, Flames and Red Wings, it’s worth throwing a dart this summer. At worst, it rattles Pat Verbeek in Anaheim, who easily matches an offer. At best, it lands a team a 22-year-old center who could thrive in a new environment.”
McTavish is an RFA and would add some youth and scoring to the lineup, which is much-needed. McTavish is coming off a career year as he recorded 22 goals and 30 assists for 52 points in 76 games, which were his career-high in goals, assists, and points.
Although McTavish could be the Bruins’ second-line center, whether or not Boston will actually offer-sheet him is uncertain. Anaheim would also likely match as they don’t need draft picks, and instead could look to trade McTavish for NHL players.
Analyst: Ducks May Not Want to Commit to McTavish
Although McTavish was selected third overall in 2021 by Anaheim, the Ducks may not want to commit long-term to him.
McTavish took a big step forward last season, but Goldman believes the Ducks aren’t sure about his long-term game in the NHL.
“The Ducks may not want to make a commitment of that magnitude just yet,” Goldman added. “McTavish hasn’t established himself as a true top-six center yet. And, some of his comps, like Max Comtois, Max Domi and Casey Mittelstadt, add some question marks on just how much substance there is in his game. As much as the Ducks have short- and long-term financial flexibility, management still may not want to clog up the books too early with a hefty McTavish extension.”
McTavish has skated in 229 career NHL games, recording 60 goals and 80 assists for 140 points.
Bruins GM Pleased With Offseason
Boston had a major fall-off this past season but was active in the offseason, adding more talent to the roster.
The Bruins added Viktor Arvidsson, Tanner Jeannot, Michael Eyssimont, Sean Kuraly, and Jordan Harris as NHL players to the roster. Bruins’ general manager Don Sweeney believes Boston will be harder to play against and a more competitive team which was the goal.
“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,” Sweeney said.
Boston had goals of making the playoffs this season after finishing with the fifth-worst record in the NHL last year.The Bruins open their 2025-26 NHL season on Oct. 8 on the road against the Washington Capitals.
