C Mason McTavish - Peterborough Petes, OHL (2021, 3rd, ANA)

[S.S. Giggy]

MacTavish will be an NHL beast, if he commits to diet, and fitness. His skills, size, and compete are excellent. He’s super smart too.

His brother is a MMA fighter and Mason trains with him so that shouldn't be an issue.

 

[Kalv]

At this point it’s exceedingly difficult to see him not become at least a defensively responsible and physically punishing 30 + 25 scorer, without needing elite linemates around him to reach those numbers.

I am most likely a minority in this, but not sure he is that physically or defensively dominant. Even last night he got rocked to the ground a couple of times (one of these were when he attempted to make a hit but ended on the wrong side of it).
And he is often very deep in the offensive zone or floating too much to be the defensive stalwart.

So I'm not sure it's that of a lock. But he do remind me of ROR a bit, so he could take some time to polish those areas of the game.

 

[Arthuros]

His brother is a MMA fighter and Mason trains with him so that shouldn't be an issue.

I am simultaneously surprised and not surprised at all.

 

[Dominance]

I am most likely a minority in this, but not sure he is that physically or defensively dominant. Even last night he got rocked to the ground a couple of times (one of these were when he attempted to make a hit but ended on the wrong side of it).
And he is often very deep in the offensive zone or floating too much to be the defensive stalwart.

So I'm not sure it's that of a lock. But he do remind me of ROR a bit, so he could take some time to polish those areas of the game.

You are correct when it comes to his defensive play. Perhaps my use of “responsible” was misleading - I meant more a guy who will give quality defensive play than a Selke candidate.

When it comes to physical play, MacTavish seeks out contact and has more of a mean streak than nearly all of the blue-chippers out there.

 

[Kalv]

You are correct when it comes to his defensive play. Perhaps my use of “responsible” was misleading - I meant more a guy who will give quality defensive play than a Selke candidate.

When it comes to physical play, MacTavish seeks out contact and has more of a mean streak than nearly all of the blue-chippers out there.

Agreed. He is skilled but can play and even thrives in those dirty areas.
Tbh I expected him to be more punishing but he's ok anyway. I think he has no fear on the ice at all, he's just going about his business no matter what. Really a needed combination in the playoffs. Ducks have a long way to get there tho

In a way he reminds me of ROR (size, grit, position) but yeah I'm not sure McTavish is that defensively oriented.

 

[bsu]

I've watched every Hamilton playoff game he reminds me of Brady Tkachuk/Joe Pavelski. He scores from the wing and really good in front of the net. I think he's underrated offensively and overrated defensively. He's big and strong but he doesn't go out of his way to make a big hit very often. He doesn't have much of a mean streak but he is very hard to move. It's very hard to get under his skin. His shot is definitely his best asset.... He can absolutely rip it similar to Drai release. He's not afraid to go into the dirty areas and makes a lot of positive plays in the offensive zone. He wins a lot of faceoffs clean. I think he need to work on his defensive game personally.... He cherry picks quite a bit which I don't blame him with those hands and shot.

 

[Anaheim4ever]

I think the Ducks should tell Hamilton that if they don't let him play in Switzerland they are gonna play him in the NHL. Like that scene in Moneyball where Brad Pitt takes away the coaches ability to play a player he doesn't want in the lineup.

I believe Swiss NLA is better for him than NHL next year but NHL is better than juniors for him next season. I think if he returns to Juniors next year he'll absolutely destroy the OHL with how much stronger he'll be, it won't be a challenge for him physically.

For a 3rd overall pick to be in the juniors 2 seasons in a row after being drafted, hopefully it doesn't hurt his confidence or frustrate him too much.

 

[Peasy]

I think the Ducks should tell Hamilton that if they don't let him play in Switzerland they are gonna play him in the NHL. Like that scene in Moneyball where Brad Pitt takes away the coaches ability to play a player he doesn't want in the lineup.

I believe Swiss NLA is better for him than NHL next year but NHL is better than juniors for him next season. I think if he returns to Juniors next year he'll absolutely destroy the OHL with how much stronger he'll be, it won't be a challenge for him physically.

For a 3rd overall pick to be in the juniors 2 seasons in a row after being drafted, hopefully it doesn't hurt his confidence or frustrate him too much.

This isn't just a Hamilton thing, it's a CHL thing. The CHL is not going to allow their asset to play in another league that isn't the NHL. They've invested in this guy. McTavish is a highly rated prospect and is a draw to get more people to the games. If Hamilton is playing where I live and McTavish is part of that team still, I am way more likely to check out the game than if he wasn't. Not to mention the fact Hamilton would likely deal him and want to recoup assets if he wasn't going to stick in the NHL next year.

And have fun souring relationships with OHL clubs that help develop these prospects if they were to take your route.

I really don't understand why this is such a hard concept to grasp for a lot of people. Just being in "theory" it might be better for the player doesn't mean there's not a shit load of red tape set up to prevent it. There's a reason why you never see CHL kids going to play in Europe. The only exception of this was the pandemic year when the OHL didn't play at all. People saw Matthews go to Europe (instead of one year of college) and now think every prospect can do this whenever they want. Matthews wasn't tied to any organization or club at that point which essentially made him a FA. He got to choose where he wanted to play for his draft year.

 

[Gliff]

This isn't just a Hamilton thing, it's a CHL thing. The CHL is not going to allow their asset to play in another league that isn't the NHL. They've invested in this guy. McTavish is a highly rated prospect and is a draw to get more people to the games. If Hamilton is playing where I live and McTavish is part of that team still, I am way more likely to check out the game than if he wasn't. Not to mention the fact Hamilton would likely deal him and want to recoup assets if he wasn't going to stick in the NHL next year.

And have fun souring relationships with OHL clubs that help develop these prospects if they were to take your route.

I really don't understand why this is such a hard concept to grasp for a lot of people. Just being in "theory" it might be better for the player doesn't mean there's not a shit load of red tape set up to prevent it. There's a reason why you never see CHL kids going to play in Europe. The only exception of this was the pandemic year when the OHL didn't play at all. People saw Matthews go to Europe (instead of one year of college) and now think every prospect can do this whenever they want. Matthews wasn't tied to any organization or club at that point which essentially made him a FA. He got to choose where he wanted to play for his draft year.

Youre not wrong at all. But the system is broken.

McTavish should 100% be in the AHL next season but he is likely going to be rushed to the NHL because the alternative is playing in a league he obviously doesn't belong in at age 20.

There needs to be some way for players in their D+2 to play in the AHL, regardless of age.

 

[Peasy]

Youre not wrong at all. But the system is broken.

McTavish should 100% be in the AHL next season but he is likely going to be rushed to the NHL because the alternative is playing in a league he obviously doesn't belong in at age 20.

There needs to be some way for players in their D+2 to play in the AHL, regardless of age.

Anyone not coming from the CHL has that luxury. This is just how contract and transfer agreements work. Players in the NCAA can't attend any type of NHL camps or prospect scrimmages. Once you play a game in the CHL you cannot play in the NCAA.

I would find it hard to believe the CHL would ever want to change this arrangement as it leads to a more water downed product. They've invested time, resources and money in these assets. Theyll want to get as much as they can out of them. Realistically there's typically only a handful of players that fall into this situation. If they create some kind of framework to allow a prospect like McTavish to leave the CHL early it wouldn't stop there. And soon enough the CHL is losing all of their blue chip players.

Personally I don't think it makes a major difference. NHL clubs can still have development coaches work with these guys while they're in the CHL. I don't think the AHL is the end be all development league. It's a tough league, with tough travel and players. I'd argue it's rougher (physically) than playing in the NHL because you have a lot of journey men that populate that league.

Look at someone like Byfield. He got a unique case of being able to play in the AHL for 2 seasons because of the OHL cancelled season. What the hell did he learn there?

Also the players drafted with a birthday before December 31st (McTavish wasn't in his case) can play in the AHL in their d+2

 

[bsu]

Anyone not coming from the CHL has that luxury. This is just how contract and transfer agreements work. Players in the NCAA can't attend any type of NHL camps or prospect scrimmages. Once you play a game in the CHL you cannot play in the NCAA.

I would find it hard to believe the CHL would ever want to change this arrangement as it leads to a more water downed product. They've invested time, resources and money in these assets. Theyll want to get as much as they can out of them. Realistically there's typically only a handful of players that fall into this situation. If they create some kind of framework to allow a prospect like McTavish to leave the CHL early it wouldn't stop there. And soon enough the CHL is losing all of their blue chip players.

Personally I don't think it makes a major difference. NHL clubs can still have development coaches work with these guys while they're in the CHL. I don't think the AHL is the end be all development league. It's a tough league, with tough travel and players. I'd argue it's rougher (physically) than playing in the NHL because you have a lot of journey men that populate that league.

Look at someone like Byfield. He got a unique case of being able to play in the AHL for 2 seasons because of the OHL cancelled season. What the hell did he learn there?

NCAA players can attend rookie camps, they just have to pay for EVERYTHING themselves (including travel) & most teams rather just leave them in school.

 

[Peasy]

NCAA players can attend rookie camps, they just have to pay for EVERYTHING themselves (including travel) & most teams rather just leave them in school.

True forgot about that. Thanks for the reminder

 

[TheGreenTBer]

Youre not wrong at all. But the system is broken.

McTavish should 100% be in the AHL next season but he is likely going to be rushed to the NHL because the alternative is playing in a league he obviously doesn't belong in at age 20.

There needs to be some way for players in their D+2 to play in the AHL, regardless of age.

Normally I'm a huge proponent of not rushing players, but if he's a high IQ player and he's put into a position to succeed (namely, 1) playing on a line with some talented players but maybe not yet relied upon for the most important minutes; and 2) being under a coach that allows him to make mistakes and teaches rather than benches) then he might be able to handle the NHL regardless.

I don't think there's high expectations for Anaheim this season. If the guy will learn nothing from the OHL (haven't watched him play, don't know) than a promotion should be highly considered. He can develop in the NHL if handled properly, can he further develop in the OHL?

EDIT: Changing the rule I think would cripple the CHL, leading in the future to it being a worse development environment for players.

 

[Gliff]

Anyone not coming from the CHL has that luxury. This is just how contract and transfer agreements work. Players in the NCAA can't attend any type of NHL camps or prospect scrimmages. Once you play a game in the CHL you cannot play in the NCAA.

I would find it hard to believe the CHL would ever want to change this arrangement as it leads to a more water downed product. They've invested time, resources and money in these assets. Theyll want to get as much as they can out of them. Realistically there's typically only a handful of players that fall into this situation. If they create some kind of framework to allow a prospect like McTavish to leave the CHL early it wouldn't stop there. And soon enough the CHL is losing all of their blue chip players.

Personally I don't think it makes a major difference. NHL clubs can still have development coaches work with these guys while they're in the CHL. I don't think the AHL is the end be all development league. It's a tough league, with tough travel and players. I'd argue it's rougher (physically) than playing in the NHL because you have a lot of journey men that populate that league.

Look at someone like Byfield. He got a unique case of being able to play in the AHL for 2 seasons because of the OHL cancelled season. What the hell did he learn there?

Also the players drafted with a birthday before December 31st (McTavish wasn't in his case) can play in the AHL in their d+2

I dont think this change would effect the CHL's crop of "blue chip players" because it isn't actually keeping them in the CHL. It just means they have to go to the NHL.

Just because players can go to the AHL instead of the CHL doesnt mean they should or that they will. For example, I don't think Zellweger or Pastujov should be in the AHL next season even though they were drafted at the same time as McTavish and both had amazing D+1 seasons, especially Pasta.

And yes, players with their birthday before December 31st already are able to do it, so why punish the rest of the players in the draft class?

Normally I'm a huge proponent of not rushing players, but if he's a high IQ player and he's put into a position to succeed (namely, 1) playing on a line with some talented players but maybe not yet relied upon for the most important minutes; and 2) being under a coach that allows him to make mistakes and teaches rather than benches) then he might be able to handle the NHL regardless.

I don't think there's high expectations for Anaheim this season. If the guy will learn nothing from the OHL (haven't watched him play, don't know) than a promotion should be highly considered. He can develop in the NHL if handled properly, can he further develop in the OHL?

EDIT: Changing the rule I think would cripple the CHL, leading in the future to it being a worse development environment for players.

I agree the NHL is better then the OHL for him, but I think the AHL is a better option where he can play center against men in every situation.

There is zero chance he plays center in the NHL next season.

 

[TheGreenTBer]

I dont think this change would effect the CHL's crop of "blue chip players" because it isn't actually keeping them in the CHL. It just means they have to go to the NHL.

Just because players can go to the AHL instead of the CHL doesnt mean they should or that they will. For example, I don't think Zellweger or Pastujov should be in the AHL next season even though they were drafted at the same time as McTavish and both had amazing D+1 seasons, especially Pasta.

And yes, players with their birthday before December 31st already are able to do it, so why punish the rest of the players in the draft class?



I agree the NHL is better then the OHL for him, but I think the AHL is a better option where he can play center against men in every situation.

There is zero chance he plays center in the NHL next season.

Many centers have started their careers on the wing. I may be wrong but I don't think that's a huge problem. He can spend a year getting up to NHL speed, then give him increased responsibilities (especially defensively) that come with the center position as he grows into it. I'm sure Anaheim views him as a center long-term, and as long as they have a good plan to get him there it has a good chance of working out.

 

[Vipers31]

I think the Ducks should tell Hamilton that if they don't let him play in Switzerland they are gonna play him in the NHL. Like that scene in Moneyball where Brad Pitt takes away the coaches ability to play a player he doesn't want in the lineup.

I believe Swiss NLA is better for him than NHL next year but NHL is better than juniors for him next season. I think if he returns to Juniors next year he'll absolutely destroy the OHL with how much stronger he'll be, it won't be a challenge for him physically.

For a 3rd overall pick to be in the juniors 2 seasons in a row after being drafted, hopefully it doesn't hurt his confidence or frustrate him too much.

People should remember that the NLA isn’t a developmental league. Which isn’t to say players can’t develop there, obviously, but teams aren’t primarily invested in developing players that won’t be around for long. They are looking to compete now, and if a young guy isn’t doing more for a team’s success in the now, he could quickly find himself in a 4th line role behind veterans better at executing systems they’re more familiar with. Not sure how many import players are even allowed in the NLA these days, but they used to pretty much reserve those spots for proven star players. Even beyond the problems of opening that path, I’m not super sure it’d be viable and at least come with some risk.

 

[Static]

The CHL/NHL agreement needs an exceptional exemption status process similar to what underage junior players have access to. There aren't too many guys who are obviously too good for CHL but not quite NHL ready, so it wouldn't cripple junior leagues.

 

[Great Makohead Shork]

Youre not wrong at all. But the system is broken.

McTavish should 100% be in the AHL next season but he is likely going to be rushed to the NHL because the alternative is playing in a league he obviously doesn't belong in at age 20.

There needs to be some way for players in their D+2 to play in the AHL, regardless of age.

100% agree, and not just because he'd be a blast to watch at the Cuda vs Gulls games

 

[bsu]

Game 7 for the championship on now

 

[KaseMeOutside]

This isn't just a Hamilton thing, it's a CHL thing. The CHL is not going to allow their asset to play in another league that isn't the NHL. They've invested in this guy. McTavish is a highly rated prospect and is a draw to get more people to the games. If Hamilton is playing where I live and McTavish is part of that team still, I am way more likely to check out the game than if he wasn't. Not to mention the fact Hamilton would likely deal him and want to recoup assets if he wasn't going to stick in the NHL next year.

And have fun souring relationships with OHL clubs that help develop these prospects if they were to take your route.

I really don't understand why this is such a hard concept to grasp for a lot of people. Just being in "theory" it might be better for the player doesn't mean there's not a shit load of red tape set up to prevent it. There's a reason why you never see CHL kids going to play in Europe. The only exception of this was the pandemic year when the OHL didn't play at all. People saw Matthews go to Europe (instead of one year of college) and now think every prospect can do this whenever they want. Matthews wasn't tied to any organization or club at that point which essentially made him a FA. He got to choose where he wanted to play for his draft year.

This is ridiculous the player should always come first and there are players who are exceptions who are too good for juniors but need to play against men who aren't NHLers

 

[93LEAFS]

Youre not wrong at all. But the system is broken.

McTavish should 100% be in the AHL next season but he is likely going to be rushed to the NHL because the alternative is playing in a league he obviously doesn't belong in at age 20.

There needs to be some way for players in their D+2 to play in the AHL, regardless of age.

I think this too good for the OHL stuff is greatly exaggerated. I don't think looking at the CHL guys who've gotten into the AHL early is really a great track record. It doesn't look like the AHL has accelerated the development of guys like Byfield and Perfetti. It sure didn't work in the case of Alex Nylander and Honka. Going back to Europe to play against men instead of spending his d+2 season in the OHL sure as hell didn't work for Juolevi.

Playing at a lower level allows you to focus on weaknesses more/tinker with your game. I don't think Marner for example would have turned into the 90-point player he's turned into any faster if he played in the AHL instead of destroying the OHL for the 2nd year in a row.

Also, someone like McTavish benefitted from being able to play against elite 18 and 19 year olds as a 16 year old, who this new rule would have likely had out of the OHL. Generally, if you are too good for the OHL to benefit your development, you are good enough to be a full-time NHLer.

 

[Kalv]

An OHL champ. FInished 3rd on the team, 5th in the playoffs with 29 points (19 games)
2nd most goal scored next after teammate Morrison

 

[Peasy]

This is ridiculous the player should always come first and there are players who are exceptions who are too good for juniors but need to play against men who aren't NHLers

Do you know what type of world we live in lol? Not saying it's the right or wrong thing to do, but I'm hard pressed to believe that the CHL would ever be willing to water down their product for zero gain.

Anyways, the AHL is overrated for developing players (especially younger ones) imo as I have already mentioned. It's not an easy league to play in. Sometimes you're playing 3 games in 3 days. Tough travel. Countless players have turned out great going to the NHL after their d+1 from junior even if they weren't 100% ready. If they're a great player which McTavish is, he will find a way to succeed and get better regardless of the league he's in.

 

[Larry44]

Do you know what type of world we live in lol? Not saying it's the right or wrong thing to do, but I'm hard pressed to believe that the CHL would ever be willing to water down their product for zero gain.

Anyways, the AHL is overrated for developing players (especially younger ones) imo as I have already mentioned. It's not an easy league to play in. Sometimes you're playing 3 games in 3 days. Tough travel. Countless players have turned out great going to the NHL after their d+1 from junior even if they weren't 100% ready. If they're a great player which McTavish is, he will find a way to succeed and get better regardless of the league he's in.

The CHL took a big hit years ago when the NHL draft shifted from 19 year olds to 18 year olds. I can see exactly why they want to keep the players they develop, rather than see them in the AHL.

As a Hamilton resident and Bulldogs fan, I would love to see McT come back to defend the OHL title (and hopefully the Memorial Cup, knock wood).

Realistically, Mason will make the Ducks next fall and start a long, productive NHL career. If he has to start at wing, so be it. Lots of guys do.

 

[bsu]

McTavish is a perfect winger for Zegras. I actually have a hard time thinking of a better prospect that would fit with Z. From where he scores (wing and in front of net) to his size and forechecking abilities. He's so good with his one timer and deflecting/getting to rebounds in front of the net. I think those two would be a match made in heaven together and I personally see McTavish being more productive as a goal scoring winger. I think he is underrated offensively but overrated defensively. I will say he wins a lot of his faceoffs in juniors clean and straight back but to be honest he could take faceoffs and Z could shift after the faceoff/regroup to center if needed. His shot reminds me so much of Drai at times, I can see him being used similarity at wing/center with Zegras and time apart as well.