Loading up: Hamilton Bulldogs acquire Mason McTavish for 2 players, 6 draft picks in blockbuster deal

By

Published January 10, 2022 at 11:56 am

The Hamilton Bulldogs made a splash in the Ontario Hockey League trade market, acquiring forward Mason McTavish from the Peterborough Petes. (Photo: The Canadian Press)

The Hamilton Bulldogs made a splash in the Ontario Hockey League trade market, acquiring forward Mason McTavish from the Peterborough Petes in exchange for forwards Alex Pharand and Jonathan Melee and six draft selections. The picks range between second and fourth-round selections.

McTavish, 18, was born in Zürich, Switzerland but grew up in Carp, Ontario. He was the first-round pick, third overall, of the Anaheim Ducks in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft.

McTavish played in nine games to open the 2021-22 season with the Ducks, recording three points before returning to the OHL and representing Canada at the 2021 World Junior Hockey Championship.

With the Petes, McTavish has six goals and one assist for seven points in six games this season.

The move came days after the ‘Dogs acquired Hamilton-born defenseman Arber Xhekaj from the Kitchener Rangers.

Xhekaj, 20, has six goals and 11 assists in 18 games this season. The 6-foot-4, 225-pound defenseman took part in Montreal Canadiens training camp in 2021 after signing a three-year deal with the NHL club.

INthehammer's Editorial Standards and Policies