If there's one thing the Philadelphia Flyers have nailed in their rebuild, it's their knack for pro scouting and acquiring undervalued talent. It might be time for them to check in with the Anaheim Ducks again.
The Flyers first took a bold step with Zegras, and now they have a similar opportunity on the horizon. Recently, the Ducks made the surprising decision to scratch center Mason McTavish for their game against the Canadiens, sparking questions about his future in Anaheim.
McTavish, at 23, is experiencing a tough season with just 13 goals and 32 points in 61 games, a dip from his career-high 22 goals and 52 points last year. As the 2021 No. 3 overall pick, he's facing the toughest season of his career.
If the Ducks consider moving on from McTavish, much like they did with Zegras, they have the flexibility to do so. McTavish is in the first year of a six-year, $42 million deal, but his no-trade clause doesn’t kick in until 2029-30. This means the Flyers could potentially reunite McTavish with his old teammate, assuming they can meet Anaheim's demands.
From 2022-23, McTavish and Zegras had an expected goals-for percentage of 47.5% at 5-on-5. While not stellar, it's important to remember the Ducks struggled as a team.
Together, they were more effective than apart. McTavish alone dropped to 44.57%, and Zegras to 43.74%.
Without either, the Ducks plummeted to a dismal 42.75%.
When paired, McTavish, Zegras, and the Ducks managed to score 14 high-danger goals compared to their opponents' 12. There's potential waiting to be unlocked if the Flyers can bring these two back together in a new environment.
Despite concerns over McTavish's speed and current production, his $7 million cap hit is a manageable risk for the Flyers, especially as they navigate another uncertain draft position and playoff chances. The Flyers need top-six centers, and McTavish could thrive alongside players like Zegras, Porter Martone, Travis Konecny, or Matvei Michkov.
The Flyers likely have the assets to make a deal enticing for Anaheim, and it could be a move that pays off significantly if McTavish reaches his potential in Philadelphia.