Mason McTavish Has Nailed His First Impression in St. Louis

The 2026-27 NHL season has not begun ideally for the St. Louis Blues, but initial performances of their key offseason acquisition, Mason McTavish, indicate a promising start. McTavish was traded at the 2026 NHL Draft for a pair of draft picks—one from Detroit and another from Colorado via the NY Islanders. The pressure was on McTavish to help the Blues dispel the notion that last year’s decline was merely a blip.

McTavish has immediately proven his worth to Blues supporters. Drafted by Detroit and traded to Colorado, he showed his finishing ability in a game against Dallas, scoring a goal just 94 seconds into his Blues debut. In the team's first five games, McTavish has two goals and two assists, showcasing his ability to create quick chemistry with fellow newcomer Connor McMichael on the second line. The pair’s net-front presence and aggressive shot-first style have already complemented each other well.

With McTavish on the ice, the Blues have been controlling play, boasting a 58% Corsi percentage—indicating a higher number of shot attempts when McTavish is on the ice. His on-ice expected goal percentage stands at 63.4%, suggesting that he is creating high-quality scoring chances. Despite initial concerns about his defensive game and speed, McTavish has shown improvement in these areas.

McTavish is also addressing the Blues’ depth scoring issues, which have plagued the team in recent years. While the top line of Dylan Holloway, Robert Thomas, and Jimmy Snuggerud has been quiet in the first four games, McTavish’s emergence as a strong second-line option provides the Blues with much-needed stability. With McTavish at the center of the second line, the Blues can rely on their depth and expect more goals from this season forward.

The St. Louis Blues now have a solid foundation and can look ahead with optimism for a successful season.