Forward Mason McTavish was traded from the Anaheim Ducks to the St. Louis Blues on Friday, with the Ducks acquiring the No. 15 and No. 29 picks in the 2026 NHL Draft, according to NHL.com. The deal, finalized hours before the draft, saw the Ducks also trade the No. 29 pick to the Vegas Golden Knights for the No. 28 selection, as reported by the same outlet.
McTavish’s Contract and the Trade Dynamics
The 23-year-old forward, entering the second year of a six-year, $42 million contract, had 41 points (17 goals, 24 assists) in 75 games this season for the Ducks, who finished third in the Pacific Division. His contract includes a $7 million cap hit for the next five years, a financial commitment the Blues now inherit, as noted by The New York Times. The trade marks a strategic shift for both teams, with the Ducks seeking flexibility and the Blues aiming to bolster their forward depth.
Quotes from Key Figures
Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek described the decision as “not an easy one,” citing the influence of the 2026 draft’s No. 15 pick, which the Ducks used to select forward Nikita Klepov. “When Klepov was there, that really helped us make the decision,” Verbeek said, per NHL.com. Blues general manager Doug Armstrong emphasized McTavish’s potential, stating, “He’s a top three overall pick recently, captain of Team Canada in the past. Playoff performer in the OHL.”
McTavish, selected third overall in the 2021 draft, has 181 points (77 goals, 104 assists) in 304 NHL games. His 2025-26 season, however, was marked by a drop in production, with 41 points and a defensive engagement that drew criticism from The New York Times. The outlet noted his struggles with skating and defensive responsibility, calling him a “change-of-scenery candidate.”
Reactions and Implications
The trade has sparked mixed reactions. TSN reported that the Ducks had previously considered offers from the New York Rangers, though the final deal with the Blues was confirmed. The Blues, who missed the playoffs this season, view McTavish as a “long-term fit,” according to The New York Times. However, the outlet’s analysis highlighted the risk of investing in a player with a $7 million cap hit and unproven defensive fundamentals.
For the Ducks, the trade allows them to shed a contract while acquiring draft assets and prospects. They also sent defenseman Olen Zellweger to the Buffalo Sabres for a second-round pick and forward Anton Wahlberg, as reported by NHL.com. The move aligns with their strategy of building through the draft and developing young talent, a priority for general manager Pat Verbeek.
What’s Next for McTavish and the Teams
McTavish’s performance in St. Louis will be critical. The Blues, who finished 37-33-12 in 2025-26, need depth at center, and McTavish’s offensive upside could complement their existing roster. However, his defensive shortcomings remain a concern. The New York Times noted that the Blues’ coaching staff will need to address his skating and positioning to unlock his potential.
For the Ducks, the trade signals a pivot toward a younger, more flexible roster. With cap space and a deep prospect pipeline, they aim to rebuild without overcommitting to high-priced contracts. The success of this strategy will depend on how effectively they develop their draft picks and integrate new players.
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