The Anaheim Ducks have decided one of their top prospects needs further seasoning.
The club assigned forward Mason McTavish to the OHL's Peterborough Petes on Saturday.
"While we are happy with Mason's development to date, we believe it is in his best long-term interests to continue his development playing in the OHL for the remainder of this season and, hopefully, for Team Canada in the upcoming World Junior (Championship)," Ducks interim general manager Jeff Solomon said.
"Among other things, this move should afford Mason the opportunity to gain additional experience playing his natural center position, which we believe will be beneficial to Mason and the Ducks in the long run."
McTavish skated in nine games with Anaheim this season, recording two goals and an assist while averaging 13:05 of ice time per contest. A 10th NHL appearance by McTavish in 2021-22 would burn a year off his entry-level contract.
The 18-year-old is eligible to play for Team Canada at the 2022 World Junior Championship.
The Ducks selected McTavish third overall in the 2021 draft.
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