Huge offers on the table by final two contenders for Mason McTavish

The Mason McTavish sweepstakes has been one of the most closely watched storylines heading into draft night. But now it appears the field has narrowed dramatically, with only two teams left standing in the race for the young center.

According to Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic, Anaheim Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek is down to evaluating final offers from the New York Rangers and the St. Louis Blues. A decision could come at any moment.

The two packages on the table are reportedly quite different in nature. According to LeBrun, the Rangers' offer centers around a roster player, while St. Louis is pitching a picks-based deal. Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet added that the Blues' package reportedly includes their first-round selection, 11th overall.

If Verbeek opts for the St. Louis route, the plan would reportedly be to flip those picks before tonight's draft in separate transactions to acquire NHL-ready players. The Ducks, it seems, have no interest in simply stockpiling assets. They want to add contributors.

Ottawa was also in the mix and reportedly had significant interest in McTavish. According to Friedman, there were natural connections between the player and the Senators organization. McTavish played under Steve Staios in the AHL, and his father works for the Ottawa front office. However, Verbeek reportedly prefers what the Rangers and Blues have put on the table.

LeBrun also noted that other teams could try to re-enter the conversation today, meaning the landscape could still shift before the final handshake. Chris Johnston went further, saying the trade could take place in the next hours with the Draft taking place soon in Buffalo.

McTavish is a left-shooting center who stands 6-foot-1 and weighs 219 pounds. Selected third overall by Anaheim in the 2021 draft, he posted 17 goals and 24 assists for 41 points across 75 regular-season games last year, then added six points in 10 playoff contests. He carries five more years on a contract with an average annual value of $7 million.

For now, all eyes are on Verbeek as he weighs two distinctly different paths forward. With the draft rapidly approaching, a resolution to the McTavish saga could arrive within hours.