3 Reasons Mason McTavish Could Be a Good Fit for the Senators
The Ottawa Senators have made it no secret that they're looking for more offence in their top six. While players like Claude Giroux and David Perron brought leadership and experience last season, neither consistently provided the speed or scoring punch Ottawa needs alongside its younger core.
That's why the recent speculation linking the Senators to Mason McTavish is interesting. On the surface, the fit might not seem obvious because McTavish is naturally a centre. However, Ottawa is one of the few teams in the NHL that has enough depth down the middle to make that a non-issue. With Tim Stützle, Dylan Cozens, and Shane Pinto already in place, the Senators would have plenty of flexibility to move either McTavish or Cozens to the wing.
The question about McTavish is whether his poor season was a one-off.
The bigger question is whether McTavish's disappointing 2025-26 season was an indication of who he is as a player or simply a bump in the road. If Ottawa believes it's the latter, there are several reasons this could be a smart move.
Here are three reasons McTavish might fit well.
Reason 1: McTavish Fits the Senators' Identity.
The Senators have spent the past few seasons building a team that is difficult to play against. Brady Tkachuk sets the tone, and players throughout the lineup have embraced a physical, competitive style. McTavish would fit right into that culture.
At 23 years old, he combines skill with a willingness to play a hard game. He isn't afraid to battle through traffic, go into dirty areas, or engage physically when needed. Ottawa already has plenty of finesse talent. Adding another player who can contribute offensively while matching the team's competitive identity would make a lot of sense.
Reason 2: Travis Green Has a History of Reviving Players.
One of the more intriguing aspects of a potential McTavish trade is the presence of head coach Travis Green. Green has earned a reputation for helping players rediscover their confidence and elevate their games. Several Senators took meaningful steps forward under his watch last season, and the team's overall structure improved significantly.
McTavish's 41-point season was disappointing by the standards set, but context matters. A contract dispute disrupted his preparation and reportedly impacted his training camp. He never seemed to fully find his rhythm.
Sometimes a player simply needs a fresh start and a coach who believes in him. Ottawa could provide both. Green's demanding but straightforward approach might be exactly what McTavish needs to get his career back on track.
Reason 3: The Upside Still Makes Him Worth the Risk.
It's easy to forget how young McTavish still is. He was selected third overall in 2021 for a reason. Scouts loved his combination of skill, hockey sense, competitiveness, and leadership qualities. Those traits don't disappear because of one difficult season.
The Senators aren't looking at a finished product. That would be too costly. Instead, they're looking at a player who could still have his best years ahead of him. If Ottawa believes McTavish can return to the trajectory many expected early in his career, acquiring him now could be a classic buy-low move. Those are often the trades that pay the biggest dividends.
Would the Cost Be Worth It for the Senators?
The challenge, of course, is making a deal work. Ottawa doesn't possess the deepest pool of trade assets, and its 2026 first-round pick isn't available to move. Any package would likely need to include a combination of prospects, future picks, and perhaps a roster player. Whether the Ducks would have interest in such a package remains to be seen.
Still, if Anaheim is genuinely willing to listen to offers for McTavish, Ottawa should at least explore the possibility. The top-six forwards in their early twenties don't become available very often.
McTavish may be coming off a disappointing season, but that's exactly why the opportunity could exist. For a Senators team looking to add scoring, size, and long-term upside, he checks a lot of boxes. And if Travis Green can help unlock the version of McTavish many expected to see a few years ago, Ottawa could end up landing one of the offseason's most intriguing bargains.