Here's a look at the latest NHL rumors surrounding the Ottawa Senators, Mason McTavish, the NHL Entry Draft, the Minnesota Wild, and Marco Rossi.
Ottawa Senators Eyeing Mason McTavish
The Ottawa Senators are reportedly interested in Anaheim Ducks forward Mason McTavish to bolster their top-six. Sportsnet's Alex Adams suggests that Senators' general manager Steve Staios could be very interested in acquiring McTavish, especially if McTavish isn't happy in Anaheim. Adams notes McTavish's local ties and potential as a long-term piece for the Senators. Acquiring McTavish would address a significant need for the Senators, who have been searching for the right fit in their top-six forward group. The team's previous attempt to fill that void with Alex DeBrincat didn't pan out due to extension issues. Any move for McTavish would likely depend on his willingness to sign a long-term extension with Ottawa.
Recent acquisitions by the Ducks, such as Mikael Granlund and Chris Kreider, might make young players like McTavish and Cutter Gauthier question their roles and look for opportunities elsewhere.
NHL Entry Draft to Remain Decentralized
Team representatives have voted to keep the NHL Entry Draft decentralized. The 2025 draft was held in Los Angeles.
Minnesota Wild and Marco Rossi Contract Negotiations
The Minnesota Wild and Marco Rossi are still working to finalize a new contract. Despite Rossi's strong performance, including setting career highs in goals, assists, and points, the Wild have not yet offered him a long-term extension. There's a sense that the Wild may not view Rossi as a top-six center due to his size (5-foot-9). Some reports suggest the Wild are hesitant to offer Rossi a deal exceeding $5 million per year.
Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reported that the Wild didn't receive any trade offers for Rossi that they considered adequate. Despite trade rumors, Chris Johnston of The Athletic believes Rossi is likely to re-sign with Minnesota. General manager Bill Guerin has emphasized that he won't trade Rossi if it weakens the team's current roster. Guerin has also praised Rossi's consistency, pace of play, and net-front presence. Rossi himself has stated that he "100 percent" wants to stay in Minnesota. A potential comparable contract for Rossi could be Cole Perfetti's two-year, $6.5-million extension with Winnipeg.
Could a Rossi-McTavish Trade Be a Solution?
Some have speculated whether a trade involving Rossi and McTavish could benefit both the Wild and the Ducks. The Wild may be willing to trade Rossi for a bigger player like McTavish, who is listed at 6-foot-1 and 220 lbs. McTavish had a similar offensive output to Rossi last season, with 52 points in 76 games. While Rossi is considered more defensively responsible, McTavish is younger. The Ducks, who have emphasized size in recent drafts, might be interested in Rossi's established scoring ability.