Pat Verbeek Notifes The New York Rangers To "Get Lost" As Talks Around Mason McTavish Heat Up
The news on Anaheim Ducks forward Mason McTavish has gotten interesting, as Pat Verbeek has stepped into the light to dispel rumors that he'll be wearing another uniform this season. In short, he's told Chris Drury and the New York Rangers to "get lost" as he intends on keeping McTavish around.
The Anaheim Ducks and Mason McTavish were thought to be at an impasse this offseason. It appeared that the Ducks would have to trade the restricted free agent (RFA) instead of re-signing him.
Instead, Pat Verbeek would come out of hiding this week and address the media regarding his 50+ point forward. McTavish would be seen training with the Ottawa 67s instead of suiting up at training camp with the Ducks.
During the press conference:
"Talks are ongoing, and we've made a lot of progress over the summer, but we're not there yet. So, until we get there, he won't be here.
I've known (McTavish's agent) Pat Morris for a long time, so we both understand each other and know how each other goes about their business, so it's just totally fine.
We're closing in, I would say. But, like I said, we're not there yet. So, both sides have to agree to a deal."
McTavish has continued his holdout into this past week, which has frustrated Verbeek.
Pat Verbeek Tells the New York Rangers To "Get Lost"
According to NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman, the Ducks GM is believed to have turned other NHL teams away when it comes to the center.
With a player like McTavish, they don't land on the market often, and teams work quickly to snatch up talent like this. The Rangers were thought to be one of the teams working to acquire him.
On the 32 Thoughts Podcast, he felt that Verbeek had told teams to "get lost".
Teams have called Verbeek, as you can imagine, about, 'Hey, if you can't sign this guy and can't agree with this guy, we'd love to trade for him.' And I think Verbeek has told everybody to get lost."
Despite Chris Drury's best efforts, it appears that McTavish will remain in Anaheim, as Verbeek will continue negotiations with their former 1st-round pick.
Previously on NY Hockey Insider
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 21 | 72 ANSWERS Pat Verbeek Notifes The New York Rangers To "Get Lost" As Talks Around Mason McTavish Heat Up Do you think the Anaheim Ducks will sign center Mason McTavish by October? | ||
| Yes | 48 | 66.7 % |
| No | 24 | 33.3 % |
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