Winnipeg Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff has many options this offseason. Aside from the 2026 NHL draft and free agency, there seems to be plenty of notable names available for trade. While some will get big returns, Cheveldayoff may want to look to the Anaheim Ducks and forward Mason McTavish as one player add.
Jets roster problems in the near future?
Going into the offseason, the Jets have a projected cap space of $21.06 million. They also have some players who could be involved in a trade. For McTavish, Anaheim is going to want a decent return for his services. Without knowing what they are asking, Winnipeg has plenty to part with. For players that could be moved to the Ducks include unrestricted free agent Gustav Nyquist and restricted free agents Cole Perfetti and Isak Rosen could all be a part of a deal.
Anaheim is loaded with young talent but maybe want more for the future and Winnipeg has that covered also. The Jets do have their first-round pick in each of the next three NHL Drafts and that could be a key in any big move they make. Cheveldayoff should key in on these needs for the upcoming roster. Secondary scoring, physical player, and someone who is versatile. McTavish fits all of those needs.
What would McTavish give the Jets?
McTavish is a solid top-four NHL player. He is not elite but he is consistent and he has a good skill set. He can play either center or left-wing and has good size at 6-foot-1 and 218 pounds. The 23-year-old plays a physical game when he is not scoring and playing agitator against the opposing team, often resulting in a power play for his team. His play thus far for Anaheim has been good and he has developed into a good NHL player.
McTavish does have five years left his current deal with an average annual value (AAV) of $7 million per season. Last season with the Ducks, he posted 17 goals and 24 assists for 41 points and 42 penalty minutes in 75 games. For his NHL career, he has 181 points in 304 career games. The Ducks do not have a first-round pick in the 2026 NHL draft which could make this deal interesting.
Ducks GM Pat Verbeek knows he does not have to trade McTavish, but if a deal comes along that he likes he will move him. Winnipeg also knows this but does have the assets to throw in a deal.
McTavish would be a nice compliment to Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor up front. WIll he be the missing piece for the Jets to do some damage in the playoffs? Jets GM Cheveldayoff has something cooking and this may be it. He is the kind of player who may find success in the playoffs with this roster. McTavish may be linked to other teams so if Cheveldayoff wants him he has to act quickly.
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