When the St. Louis Blues acquired their newest forward, Mason McTavish, from the Anaheim Ducks, they didn't just add a 23-year-old center to their lineup, but a former third overall draft pick who is hungry for stability and to redefine himself.
During his breakout 2024-25 season, McTavish saw his ice time jump by 240 minutes over the previous year, averaging 16:53 per game. That additional four hours in ice time helped him grab a career-high 22 goals and 52 points in 76 games. However, last season saw his ice time plummet by 133 minutes, down to 15:19 per game, and his point totals back to 41 in 75 games. As a new, younger core emerged with the Ducks, players like Leo Carlsson took over the primary offensive duties while veteran forward Mikael Granlund grabbed additional responsibilities, leaving McTavish in a bit of a 'no-man's land'.
A fresh slate in St. Louis
With the Blues, McTavish should be presented with a cleared second line center role, penciled in behind Robert Thomas, providing him the extended runway he needs to reclaim his game. Playing in head coach Jim Montgomery's system, McTavish should be given consistent top-six minutes and fixed power play opportunities that should play well to his 6-foot-1, 213-pound frame.
The change in scenery will also provide McTavish with a bit of a unique developmental pathway at the faceoff dot. Early in his career, Thomas was mentored not only by his coaching staff but also worked closely alongside former Blues team captain Ryan O'Reilly, helping him develop into one of the league's most underrated centers. With Thomas as the clear, established 1C, he can pass down the knowledge and work with McTavish to help elevate his faceoff win rate that sat just below 49%.
Capitalizing on high-volume shot habits
Beyond deployment and situational growth, McTavish brings and aggressive, shoot first mentality that the Blues' top-six lacked a season ago. Even during his frustrating 25-26 campaign in Anaheim, McTavish attempted 325 shots with 146 shots on goal.
Had McTavish put up those numbers in a Blues sweater last season, his 146 shots on goal would have been fourth on the entire team, ahead of veteran forwards like Pavel Buchnevich. His 325 shot attempts would have placed him third on the team, comfortably sitting behind Jordan Kyrou and Jimmy Snuggerud.
Maximizing McTavish for long-term success
For a St. Louis offense that has struggled with over-passing in the high-danger areas, often noted by fans in the stands yelling "SHOOT", adding a center who actively hunts for those opportunities can drastically change the dynamic of their top-six. Combining Thomas' high-end playmaking on their top line, along with McTavish's heavy trigger on the second unit, gives St. Louis a dual-threat offense that becomes very difficult to game plan against.
By providing McTavish with a top-six role, net-front power play reps, and additional help and development on the faceoff mentorship, the Blues aren't just giving the young forward an opportunity, but setting up their new center with the opportunity to a 25-goal, 55-point or more weapon.
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