Blues Acquire Mason McTavish From the Ducks

Blues Make a Trade and Get a Center

The Blues came into a Friday night with four first-round picks, having added a fourth just a few days ago in the Jordan Kyrou trade with the Washington Capitals. Many wondered if they would use those picks to trade for NHL talent or to trade up in the draft. They have indeed done that, adding a much-needed center in McTavish.

McTavish, 23, played in 75 games for the Ducks in 2025-26. He scored 17 goals and added 41 points. He played in 10 postseason games, scoring a goal and adding six points.

McTavish is under contract through the 2030-31 season. He carries an annual cap hit of $7 million.

McTavish will slide into the second-line center spot in the Blues’ lineup. The Blues entered the summer with a hole in that spot. McTavish gives the Blues needed stability at the position. Furthermore, McTavish brings 20-goal potential (having scored 22 goals in 2024-25) and is a strong presence in front of the net.

McTavish is the third center the Blues have added tonight. The team drafted Tynan Lawrence with the 11th-overall pick and Maddox Dagenais with the 16th-overall pick.

Ducks Trade Up

The Ducks used the 15th-overall pick to select Nikita Klepov. Klepov brings a two-way presence to the Ducks and should eventually fit into their top six.

At the time of writing this, the Ducks have not yet selected the 29th pick. Stay tuned to The Hockey Writers for the answer to that question, as well as additional news, analysis, and coverage as the NHL Draft continues.