Prior to this 2026-27 season, the idea of the St. Louis Blues finding a comparable second-line center was a top priority. So, both current and former General Managers, Alexander Steen and Doug Armstrong, went out and got Mason McTavish from Anaheim.
What has transpired is exactly what they could have hoped for, and more.
Now, there is some alternative thinking to the start of this season and the false start of the current first line, consisting of Jimmy Snuggerud, Robert Thomas, and Dylan Holloway. One of those wingers may need to be pushed down a peg for McTavish to get a well-deserved promotion.
Who to replace?
Obviously, Thomas will not be moved down for McTavish to center the first line. That leaves an opening for the winger spot, which, as it stands, would be Holloway going down.
Snuggerud has already been able to show offensive output, and his time on the top line is much more important. A first line of 21-18-83 might be the spark this team needs.
Who replaces McTavish at 2C?
Holloway has had time at center in his career, but keeping him on the wing would be best. McMichael is another option to be the 2C, but again, it should be someone else moving up from the third line.
One of the better Blues this season has been Dalibor Dvorsky. He has been a positive force on the third line, scoring goals and making plays. He has two goals in the young season and is tied with Colton Parayko for the second-most shots on goal with six.
If McTavish deserves a bump, so does No. 15.
Leave it alone?
There is also the option of just leaving things as is for now. Tonight’s game against San Jose is only the fourth of 84 games. A long season awaits.
McTavish could just continue to be a positive for the second line, and hopefully, the first line figures out their issues. That is certainly a possibility at the moment, as head coach Jim Montgomery continues to rally this group.
No. 83 has been a lightning rod thus far, and this upcoming showdown against a very good and rising Sharks team will put him to the test. If McTavish has another solid game, the pressure is on. If he falters, hopefully another linemate or the captain, Thomas, can pick up the slack.
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