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Which Players Would Be A Better Fit For The Canucks, McTavish Or Rossi?

Why These Players Could Be a Better Fit for the Vancouver Canucks Than Mason McTavish

In the ever-evolving landscape of the NHL, the Vancouver Canucks find themselves at a crossroads, constantly seeking ways to bolster their roster and push toward consistent playoff contention. With a core featuring stars like Elias Pettersson, Quinn Hughes, and J.T. Miller, the team has shown flashes of brilliance but often struggles with depth, particularly in the forward lines and defensive stability. One name that has surfaced in trade rumors and hypothetical discussions is Mason McTavish, the talented young center currently with the Anaheim Ducks. Drafted third overall in 2021, McTavish has quickly established himself as a promising two-way forward with size, skill, and a knack for scoring in clutch moments. His performance at the World Juniors, where he captained Canada to gold and tallied key goals, underscores his potential as a future cornerstone.

However, acquiring McTavish wouldn't come cheap. The Ducks view him as a foundational piece in their rebuild, and any trade would likely demand significant assets from Vancouver—perhaps a high draft pick, a top prospect, or even a roster player like Conor Garland or Nils Höglander. Moreover, while McTavish's physicality and scoring touch align with the Canucks' need for a robust center, questions linger about his fit in Vancouver's system under head coach Rick Tocchet. Tocchet emphasizes a hard-nosed, defensively responsible game, and McTavish, at just 21 years old, is still refining his defensive awareness and consistency. His entry-level contract is a plus, but the long-term commitment could strain the Canucks' cap situation as they navigate extensions for Pettersson and others.

This begs the question: Are there players who might represent a better overall fit for the Canucks—offering similar upside but with advantages in experience, contract flexibility, or stylistic synergy—without the steep cost of prying McTavish from Anaheim? In this analysis, we'll explore several alternatives, drawing from current NHL rosters, free agents, and prospects. These options could provide the Canucks with immediate impact, better positional alignment, or cost efficiency, potentially accelerating their timeline to contention.

First on the list is Dylan Cozens of the Buffalo Sabres. At 23, Cozens is slightly older than McTavish but brings a comparable blend of size (6-foot-3) and skill, with the added benefit of proven NHL production. Last season, he notched 18 goals and 47 points, showcasing his ability to drive play in all zones. What makes Cozens a potentially superior fit for Vancouver is his defensive reliability and faceoff prowess—areas where the Canucks have historically struggled. Vancouver's center depth beyond Pettersson and Miller is thin, and Cozens could slot seamlessly into a second-line role, providing stability and allowing Miller to shift to the wing if needed. Unlike McTavish, who is still developing his two-way game, Cozens has already demonstrated consistency in high-pressure situations, including international play for Canada. Acquiring him might require a package similar to what McTavish would demand, but Buffalo's ongoing rebuild could make them more amenable to deals involving picks or young defensemen like Tyler Myers. From a cap perspective, Cozens' $7.1 million AAV through 2029-30 is manageable for Vancouver, especially if they offload salary elsewhere. His physical style meshes perfectly with Tocchet's system, emphasizing forechecking and board battles, potentially making him a more immediate contributor than the rawer McTavish.

Another intriguing option is Kirby Dach, the Montreal Canadiens' versatile forward. Drafted third overall in 2019, Dach has battled injuries but shown flashes of elite potential, combining playmaking vision with a 6-foot-4 frame. At 23, he's in a similar age bracket to McTavish but offers positional flexibility—capable of playing center or wing—which could address Vancouver's need for lineup versatility. Dach's passing ability would complement Pettersson's sniping, creating dynamic offensive pairings, and his size adds a layer of physicality that McTavish provides but with more refined puck skills. The key advantage here is cost: Montreal might be open to trading Dach if their rebuild stalls, and his $3.36 million cap hit through 2025-26 is a bargain compared to McTavish's future extension demands. Injuries are a concern, but if healthy, Dach could thrive in Vancouver's up-tempo system, offering better injury resilience projections than McTavish's unproven durability at the NHL level. Moreover, Dach's experience in a defensively structured environment under Martin St. Louis could translate well to Tocchet's demands, making him a lower-risk, higher-reward alternative.

Shifting gears to a more veteran presence, consider Sean Monahan, who recently signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets but could be a trade target mid-season. At 29, Monahan brings a wealth of experience, having overcome significant hip injuries to post a resurgent 59 points last season split between Montreal and Winnipeg. His faceoff expertise (over 55% win rate) and power-play acumen would directly address Vancouver's special teams woes, where they've ranked middling in recent years. Unlike McTavish, who is still honing his leadership qualities, Monahan is a proven locker-room voice, having captained the Calgary Flames earlier in his career. For the Canucks, who need stability amid their young core, Monahan's $2 million cap hit on a one-year deal represents incredible value—far less than the assets required for McTavish. He could serve as a third-line center with upside, mentoring prospects like Tom Willander while providing scoring depth. The fit is stylistic too: Monahan's intelligent, positionally sound game aligns with Tocchet's emphasis on details, potentially offering more short-term wins than investing in McTavish's development curve.

On the prospect front, Shane Wright of the Seattle Kraken stands out as a high-upside alternative. Selected fourth overall in 2022, Wright has been slow to develop but possesses elite shooting and hockey IQ that could rival McTavish's. At 20, he's younger and cheaper, with his entry-level deal running through 2024-25. Wright's potential as a top-six center is immense, and his right-handed shot adds balance to Vancouver's lefty-heavy forward group. The Kraken's depth at center might make Wright available for a package of picks or depth players, a lower cost than McTavish. What sets him apart is his international pedigree, including strong showings at the World Juniors, and a defensive mindset that could flourish under Tocchet. While McTavish has more NHL games under his belt, Wright's untapped potential and Seattle's proximity could facilitate an easier trade, allowing Vancouver to build for the future without overcommitting resources.

Lastly, let's not overlook free-agent possibilities or under-the-radar trades like acquiring Casey Mittelstadt from the Colorado Avalanche. Mittelstadt, 25, broke out with 57 points last season in Buffalo before the trade, offering playmaking flair and center depth. His $5.75 million AAV through 2026-27 is reasonable, and his adaptability could see him thrive alongside Miller or Pettersson. Compared to McTavish, Mittelstadt provides proven production without the hype-driven price tag, making him a pragmatic fit for a cap-conscious Canucks team aiming for playoff pushes.

In conclusion, while Mason McTavish is undeniably talented and could one day anchor a contending team, the Vancouver Canucks might find better value and fit in alternatives like Cozens, Dach, Monahan, Wright, or Mittelstadt. These players offer a mix of immediate impact, cost efficiency, and stylistic alignment with the team's needs under Tocchet. As general manager Patrik Allvin navigates the offseason and trade market, prioritizing these options could propel Vancouver toward sustained success, avoiding the pitfalls of overpaying for potential. The NHL is a league of calculated risks, and sometimes the best moves are the ones that fit seamlessly rather than forcing a square peg into a round hole. With the right acquisitions, the Canucks could transform from perennial hopefuls to legitimate contenders, all without chasing the McTavish mirage. (Word count: 1,128)

Read the Full The Hockey News - Vancouver Canucks Article at:
[ https://sports.yahoo.com/article/players-better-fit-canucks-mctavish-200717662.html ]