Latest news coming from Anaheim strengthens McTavish to Detroit rumors

While last free agency was the year of offer sheets, this year they've not been used once.

For the Detroit Red Wings, they could be the odd man out here and gain a top-six forward in the lineup.

With the potential news of Mason McTavish's refusal to report to training camp, the forward and the Ducks' relationship is fraying.

This could be an opportune time for Steve Yzerman and the Detroit Red Wings to step in and be an alternative for a team that has yet to sign one of their 1st-round picks to a new contract, as they would have plenty of leverage.

As the plot thickens, the trade rumors intensify:

With McTavish's possible refusal to show up for training camp a focal point in this story, we have to consider what could happen next.

That could leave options open for the forward and his agent in order to get the best deal possible, and not from the team that drafted him 3rd overall.

Could he be offer-sheeted? Insider Chris Johnston believes there could be a chance they're utilized soon.

While this could be an option for the Red Wings, the Ducks could always swoop in and match whatever the Red Wings send for McTavish.

That still doesn't mean that Yzerman shouldn't take a shot at him.

The 6-foot-2, 220-pound centerman has played a total of 229 games in the NHL and scored 140 points while playing on the third line with power-play duties in Anaheim.