Overview
- The Blues acquired Mason McTavish from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for the No. 15 and No. 29 overall picks in a deal completed during draft weekend on June 27.
- St. Louis assumed McTavish’s five‑year contract with a $7 million average annual value and plans to use him as a second‑line center behind Robert Thomas.
- Analysts widely described the exchange as a risky overpay because McTavish posted 41 points in 75 games in 2025–26 and experienced reduced role and healthy scratches under Anaheim’s coach.
- Using the remaining first‑round slots the Blues still selected centers Tynan Lawrence (No. 11) and Maddox Dagenais (No. 16), underscoring a clear priority on immediate center depth over defense or longer‑term upside.
- Anaheim gained middle‑first‑round assets and roster flexibility with the picks and converted them into draft selections and trades reported with limited sourcing, leaving the deal’s final value dependent on McTavish’s rebound next season.