Doug Armstrong all but promised fireworks at the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, and he has officially delivered.
In a massive draft-night blockbuster, the St. Louis Blues have acquired 23-year-old forward Mason McTavish from the Anaheim Ducks. In exchange, the Blues are sending their No. 15 overall selection (previously acquired from Detroit) and their No. 29 overall selection (previously acquired from Colorado) to the Ducks.
The move is an aggressive pivot for the Blues, exchanging future draft assets for an immediate, top-six impact player who should fit the team's competitive timeline.
The Return: Who is Mason McTavish?
McTavish, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft, is a powerhouse, 6-foot-1, 213-pound center known for his heavy, physical style of play and high-end goal-scoring pedigree.
His 2025-26 season with the new Anaheim coach, Joel Quenneville, was a bit of a rollercoaster. McTavish didn’t get as much ice time grabbing only 15:19 TOI and scored just 41 points (17 goals, 24 assists) in 75 games, and is one of the more intriguing power forwards out there.
For the Blues' salary cap structure, McTavish is entering the second season of a six-year, $42 million contract that carries a very manageable $7 million AAV through the 2030-31 season. St. Louis is banking on a fresh start in Missouri to unlock his elite, point-per-game potential.
A New-Look Spine in St. Louis
By selecting Boston University center Tynan Lawrence at No. 11 who should compete for a roster spot in the next two or so seasons, and subsequently swinging this blockbuster trade for McTavish, the Blues have completely transformed the middle of their ice over the course of a single hour.
McTavish gives the Blues an immediate option to slot into the middle-six, competing for the second line center position behind Robert Thomas, while establishing an incredibly formidable, physical one-two punch down the middle. With Dalibor Dvorsky also pushing for the second line center position, the Blues' center depth has instantly transformed from a question mark into one of the deepest groups in the central division.