Anaheim Ducks reach six-year, $42M extension with Mason McTavish

The Anaheim Ducks and center Mason McTavish reached agreement on a six-year, $42 million contract extension on Saturday, ending a holdout that left the 22-year-old out of the start of training camp and preseason activities. The deal, which carries an average annual value of $7 million and runs through the 2030-31 season, secures McTavish as a key part of Anaheim's young core as the team prepares for the 2025-26 NHL season.

A person with knowledge of the negotiation, speaking on condition of anonymity because the contract had not yet been signed, confirmed the terms to news outlets. Team statements released upon the announcement described the agreement as long-term validation of McTavish's role in the Ducks' plans. General manager Pat Verbeek said the contract "reflects his importance to our future" and praised McTavish as "a highly skilled, physical, and competitive player who plays the game the right way." McTavish said in a separate statement that he and his family were "excited to commit" long term and that he believes in the organization's direction.

McTavish, the Ducks' third overall pick in 2021, produced a career-high 52 points last season while establishing himself as...