Mason McTavish is a healthy scratch for the Anaheim Ducks’ game against the Montreal Canadiens, a decision reflecting his recent struggles on the ice. This season, McTavish has recorded 32 points in 61 games, but his performance has notably declined, with only two points in his last 12 outings.
Despite being the third overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft, McTavish’s offensive output has stalled, hovering around the 40-50 range. His possession metrics at five-on-five are a career-best at 52.2%, and he starts nearly 59% of his shifts in the offensive zone. However, his average ice time has dipped below 16 minutes per night for the first time in his career.
In contrast, teammate Troy Terry has recently returned from a nine-game injury absence and is having a strong season with 48 points in 47 games. Terry expressed confidence in McTavish, stating, “He’s a really good hockey player,” emphasizing the importance of having him back in the lineup.
John Carlson also made his Ducks debut after being acquired from Washington, adding to the team’s dynamics. Meanwhile, Radko Gudas is serving a five-game suspension, which has altered the team’s roster strategy.
McTavish’s recent performance includes only one assist in his last nine games, raising questions about his role moving forward. Coach Joel Quenneville remarked, “It’s a big, big add to our team when he’s back in there,” highlighting the potential impact of McTavish’s return.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the reasons behind McTavish’s scratch, but observers will be watching closely to see how he responds to this setback and if he can regain his form in the coming games.
