estricted free agent forward led Anaheim in goals, was 2nd in points last season

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Mason McTavish signed a six-year contract with the Anaheim Ducks on Saturday. Financial terms were not disclosed.

“I think both sides felt the need to get to training camp and obviously, like I’ve said before, training camp is an important part of preparing for the season,” Anaheim general manager Pat Verbeek said. “And Mason and I, we were both eager to get Mason into camp and to get some reps under his belt, not only for the new systems but the conditioning part of it as well. So it’s a really good day for us.”

The 22-year-old forward, who was a restricted free agent, led the Ducks in goals (22) and was second on the team in points (52) in 76 games last season.

“Today is an exciting day for me and my family to commit my long-term future to the Anaheim Ducks,” McTavish said. “I believe in the direction of this organization and the group we have in the locker room. We’re building something special and I want to help this team take the next step toward becoming a consistent playoff contender and, ultimately, a championship team.”

Selected by Anaheim with the No. 3 pick in the 2021 NHL Draft, McTavish has 140 points (60 goals, 80 assists) in 229 games.

“Mason is a key part of our team, and we’re excited to reach a long-term agreement that reflects his importance to our future,” Verbeek said. “He’s a highly skilled, physical, and competitive player who plays the game the right way. Mason has already made a significant impact at a young age, and we’re confident he’ll continue to grow into a top player as we build toward sustained success.”

Anaheim went 35-37-10 last season, missing the playoffs for the seventh consecutive season, and hired three-time Stanley Cup champion coach Joel Quenneville on May 8.

Verbeek said he hopes to have McTavish play in Anaheim’s final preseason game against the Los Angeles Kings on Oct. 4 before the Ducks open the season on Oct. 9 at the Seattle Kraken.

“We’re going to stay on top of it, kind of see (him) getting up to the pace. he’s been practicing with the Ottawa 67s,” Verbeek said. “Obviously that’s not the pace of the NHL but we’ll see how he does. I’d like to get him in for the first three days and see where he’s at. I feel it’s just about getting used to pushing at that pace. Joel runs a high-pace practice, and it demands that you get skating. So, we’ll monitor that. I’d like to get him into the last game of exhibition, and then he’ll have three more good practices before we start the season in Seattle. So, he came in at a good time. If it gets any later, it may have been more difficult for him. But I think he’ll be in a good spot when he gets here Monday.”