VANCOUVER CANUCKS GO ALL IN ON MASON McTAVISH: GM Patrik Allvin Pursues Former No. 3 Pick Despite Major Trade Hurdles
In what could be one of the boldest moves of the NHL offseason, the Vancouver Canucks have set their sights on a major acquisition. According to multiple sources, the Canucks are seriously pursuing restricted free agent Mason McTavish, a former third overall pick currently with the Anaheim Ducks. Despite the challenges of limited assets and salary cap concerns, General Manager Patrik Allvin appears determined to bolster the roster before the season kicks off.
CANUCKS STAY ACTIVE DESPITE MID-SUMMER LULL
Although the NHL offseason often slows down in late July, the Canucks’ front office is anything but idle. Thomas Drance of The Athletic recently reported that the team remains busy, monitoring the free agent market and working behind the scenes to create financial flexibility. He noted that Vancouver’s management “isn’t off to the cottage just yet,” indicating that the team still has its eyes on key roster moves.
This aggressive stance comes after the team traded forward Dakota Joshua to the Toronto Maple Leafs, freeing up an additional $3.25 million in cap space. While modest, this extra room could prove vital in making a serious play for McTavish.
WHY McTAVISH FITS THE BILL
Mason McTavish, now 22 years old, was selected third overall by the Anaheim Ducks in the 2021 NHL Draft. Known for his blend of skill, grit, and hockey IQ, McTavish would be an ideal second-line center for the Canucks. He’s coming off his first 20+ goal season in the NHL and has consistently demonstrated that he can handle both offensive responsibilities and physical play.
In short, he checks nearly every box the Canucks are looking for as they prepare to build on their playoff ambitions.
McTavish’s style is particularly appealing to a Canucks team that’s looking to inject more bite into its lineup. If Vancouver hopes to make a deep run in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, adding a player with McTavish’s competitive edge could make a significant difference.
REPORTS CONFIRM INTEREST—BUT HURDLES REMAIN
Patrick Johnston of The Province confirmed the Canucks’ interest in acquiring McTavish. However, he also acknowledged the complications involved in pulling off such a deal. “Adding McTavish will be very hard,” Johnston wrote, noting that Anaheim holds all the cards in this situation.
Because McTavish is a restricted free agent, the Ducks aren’t obligated to move him unless a truly enticing offer is on the table. And given his age, pedigree, and recent breakout, any package would need to be substantial.
Johnston suggests that any trade would likely require a combination of top-tier prospects and draft capital. Potential names being floated include Jonathan Lekkerimaki or Tom Willander—two of the Canucks’ most highly regarded young players. A first-round pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft could also be part of the deal, along with perhaps another asset.
Such a steep asking price reflects McTavish’s immense potential and the leverage Anaheim holds. Yet, for a team like Vancouver that desperately needs a long-term solution at the second-line center position, it may be a price worth considering.
CAP SPACE & STRATEGY: IS IT POSSIBLE?
Though the Canucks have managed to clear some cap room, more moves may be necessary to absorb McTavish’s next contract—especially if he commands a higher average annual value (AAV) than expected. Drance emphasized that Vancouver is still looking to shed additional salary in order to be more flexible in the market.
The front office is reportedly also keeping tabs on other unrestricted free agents as backup options. But McTavish remains the prize—especially because of his age and long-term upside. His addition could signal a new era of competitiveness in Vancouver and potentially serve as a cornerstone move for years to come.
The Canucks are in a unique position: they have a promising core, some cap maneuverability, and a front office willing to act boldly. But the trade has to make sense financially and competitively, and that’s what makes this potential acquisition so intriguing—and challenging.
COMPETING INTEREST & TIMING
What complicates the situation further is that Vancouver isn’t the only team eyeing McTavish. Around a dozen NHL franchises are still looking to reinforce their rosters heading into the later stages of the offseason, and McTavish’s name has come up in multiple front offices.
Time is of the essence. As August approaches, restricted free agents often get locked into new contracts or traded before training camps begin. If Vancouver wants to land McTavish, they’ll need to act decisively.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The potential acquisition of Mason McTavish could be a game-changer for the Vancouver Canucks, both for the upcoming season and the franchise’s long-term future. He brings scoring, toughness, and pedigree—all traits that the team could use more of as they aim to become legitimate contenders.
But the price will be steep, and there are no guarantees. With Anaheim under no pressure to move him and Vancouver working against cap limitations and asset shortages, this could be one of the most complex negotiations of the summer.
Still, the fact that Vancouver is in the mix at all speaks volumes about Patrik Allvin’s ambition. If he manages to pull it off, it might just be the boldest move of the offseason—and one that reshapes the Canucks for years to come.
