Mason McTavish, at just 23, remains one of hockey's promising talents. Yet, the Anaheim Ducks' forward is navigating a rough patch, and it's raising eyebrows.
Over his last five games, McTavish has managed only three shots and hasn't registered a single point. This slump has led to him being a healthy scratch.
In the Ducks' recent 3-2 overtime loss to Philadelphia, McTavish was once again sidelined. It's a situation reminiscent of Jeremy Swayman's past struggles with Boston.
After a contentious contract holdout, Swayman eventually found his groove, becoming a key player in the Bruins' resurgence. McTavish, who signed his contract after a similar dispute, hasn't quite hit his stride since.
Despite the current challenges, the Ducks are still in the playoff race, offering McTavish a golden opportunity to turn things around. With 61 games under his belt this season, he's contributed 32 points, tallying 13 goals and 19 assists. These aren't numbers to scoff at, yet they're not quite meeting expectations for someone of his caliber.
The Ducks' decision to bench such a skilled player speaks volumes about their current concerns. McTavish has the talent and the contract to be a game-changer, but now it's about translating that potential into performance. The clock is ticking, and if McTavish wants to rewrite his narrative, the time is now.