Meet McTavish: the Blues new second-line center

In early September, Mason McTavish told the media that he’s entering this season with the St. Louis Blues with a chip on his shoulder. After spending the first five years of his NHL career with the Anaheim Ducks, McTavish was traded to the Blues at the 2026 NHL Draft.

Following the trade, Blues President of Hockey Operations Doug Armstrong said that McTavish's 200-foot game, dynamic shot and room for growth makes him an exciting player to have in the organization. McTavish will look to solidify himself as a key piece of the team’s top-six offense and youthful core this season. 

The 23-year-old forward brings plenty of experience despite his age. Born in Zurich, Switzerland, while his father played there professionally, McTavish grew up in Canada and has represented the country at the World Juniors and the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.  

He helped Team Canada win gold at the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship, making a memorable goal-line save in overtime of the gold-medal game before Canada’s victory over Team Finland. Scoring eight goals and 17 points in just seven games, McTavish was named the tournament’s MVP after captaining Canada to the gold medal. 

Entering the 2026-27 season with 77 goals and 181 points in his NHL career, McTavish sat down with stlouisblues.com to discuss team chemistry, international experiences and his adjustment to life in St. Louis.

Q&A

What do you want Blues fans to know about you and your playing style?

“Just kind of the competitive mindset and work. I think those are the things I focus on the most and that’s what is easiest for me. And I think the rest kind of takes care of itself.”

You’re reuniting with Cam Fowler and Ross Johnston, who you played with during your time in Anaheim. What’s it like getting acclimated to a new locker room that has some familiar faces? 

“It’s nice for sure. Just to see guys you’re used to around a different spot, different team. It makes you feel a little bit more welcomed. And the new guys have been awesome though, too. So it’s been nothing but great things so far and I’m excited to get going here.”

Pavel Buchnevich and Connor McMichael have been your linemates during training camp and team practices. How has building chemistry with them felt so far?

“I think it’s been good. We haven’t played together in the game yet but just as far as practicing and making plays, I feel like we’ve been good.”

Although you primarily grew up in Canada, fans may not know that you were actually born in Zurich, Switzerland. What was that like?

“I lived in Switzerland for about nine years so I think anytime I get the chance to go back there I love it. [Pius Suter], we were actually talking about it a little bit – just how nice of a country it is and all the great things that it has to offer. It’s cool, definitely growing up there it’s a little bit different for sure.”

You’ve had the opportunity to represent Team Canada internationally multiple times, what do those experiences mean to you? 

“It’s awesome. Anytime you get the honor to wear the Canadian flag it’s awesome and nobody really takes that lightly. You get that chance, you get to go and it’s always so much fun. You get to compete with the highest level of players your age so it’s always really exciting. 

Do you have any particular pre-game rituals or superstitions?

“No, not really. Actually I don’t have anything exciting so maybe I’ll try to work on that this year.”

Any off-the-ice hobbies you think fans would be interested to know? 

“Golf, hanging out with friends, family and going to the cottage especially in the summer time. During the season I’m hanging out with buddies, going for dinners and stuff like that. I’d say those are the biggest things.”

Favorite food? 

“Steak.”

If you could switch lives with any famous person or athlete, who would it be and why?

“Probably Scottie Scheffler – just to see how good he is at golf and what it feels like for him to just play and hit the ball.”

What’s your favorite thing about St. Louis so far?

“The people. Everybody’s so friendly and it’s nice that everything’s pretty close too which is great. I guess that’s just depending on where you live but it seems like everything is like 10-15 minutes away, so it’s been great. The people, everybody I've met has just been super nice and awesome to me.”

What’s your biggest piece of advice you have for younger hockey players?

“The biggest thing for me is just try to enjoy every moment you have with your teammates. The highs, the lows – it’s nothing to take for granted and it goes by so fast. So just really cherishing those moments and enjoying those things.”