The St. Louis Blues have begun to spark plenty of optimism early in the 2026-27 season, with a 5-4-1 record, good for one game behind the second Wild Card spot in the Western Conference after a decisive 6-2 win over the Vegas Golden Knights.
At the center of this push has been the Blues' offseason blockbuster acquisition, Mason McTavish, who has taken St. Louis by storm through his first 10 games, scoring six goals and 10 points. With his relentless motor and high-energy play, McTavish has quickly established himself as an offensive spark plug for this forward group. The 23-year-old uses his 219-pound frame and constant pressure on the opposing defenseman, and has re-energized the team's second line alongside Connor McMichael and Jonatan Berggren.
The numbers behind the engine
McTavish's production has been impossible to ignore through the first stretch of games. With his team-leading point production, a lot of that damage has come from going to the dirty areas in front of the net and winning those battles. Against the Columbus Blue Jackets, he generated five high-danger scoring chances just by grinding around the crease.
A few nights later in Ottawa, he managed six shots on goal, converting two goals and an assist, with one coming on the man-advantage. He has also maintained a reliable option on the faceoff dot, winning over 60 percent of his faceoffs in both Chicago and Nashville, and 75 percent against Winnipeg. Those faceoff wins gave he and his linemates the puck in good spots to let him lean into the physical style that wears on opposing defenders throughout the game, setting up the rest of his team for success as well.
Setting up long-term success
What has stood out about McTavish is that he has done more than just put up points. His physical play and relentless forechecking have helped him dig pucks out along the boards and create space for his linemates. Whether he is setting up McMichael, the other half of the "McDouble", for a goal, or scoring in the win over Vegas, he sets a tough, aggressive tone that seems to lift the rest of the group with every shift.
McTavish is locked in through the 2030-31 season, giving the Blues five seasons at a very reasonable $7 million, becoming a pillar for the franchise. More importantly, his early production looks sustainable, instead of an early hot streak. He's creating shots, winning possession battles, and driving play night after night as the Blues move through their schedule. That kind of hard work should give he and the team the relentless play style that they have often preached through internal meetings, searching for their identity to set the tone for the season ahead.
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