I just hope that the Ducks don't rush McTavish into the lineup. I think he could play in the NHL next year because the lineup is so lousy, though I believe he could use at least one more season of developing his skating and overall game before AHL or NHL time.
I’m not sure I’d want him up for too long because I think it could be difficult for him to add complexity to his game if he spends the entire season in the NHL. They really need to make sure he has every opportunity to develop into a top 6 guy.
I think that's been our systemic problem with our prospects in relation to our lineup since the big-3 of Eaves, Kelser, and Perry fell off the face of the planet with their injuries on top of the other injuries that beset the organization for the past few years. Poor Kase. We have prospect talent better than who we have left over at the NHL level. We rushed Lundy in his draft year to the NHL. We relied upon Steel to hold center for the past two seasons. We tried out Zegras in his D+1 year in the NHL/AHL. Drysdale was too damned good for the AHL as an 18-year old, but got worn down at the NHL level. Because we do lack talent at the NHL level, I think McTavish does have an opportunity to stick with the NHL club, unfortunately.
McTavish's body is NHL-ready, as per GM Murray in a post first round draft interview. Mason also has a history of being a prominent goal scorer, including in a men's league. He also has been good on the faceoff dot. Right now, our team is mostly finesse. He brings "I don't care who are, but you're on my turf" demeanor in his play, which is sorely needed in our top-9. There are many reasons for McTavish to make it with the NHL club. IMO, he's like Drysdale such that their talents are already better than the OHL, seeing how he helped turned the fortunes around for his NL-B team once he got acclimated.
With all that said, I would prefer that Mason hone his skills at center in the NL-A than in the OHL. Mason proved he was very good against his peers at the WJC-18. I want him to take a route that can acclimate him to the NHL faster. Going to the NL-A as a center is a better barometer than going back to the OHL. He's already a big fish in a small pond with his peers. I want him to be that small fish that becomes the big fish in a big pond at the NL-A.