In a week full of blockbuster trades and persistent trade rumors, one name has been top of mind for Anaheim Ducks fans; Mason McTavish. In the midst of the 2026 NHL entry draft, Ducks GM Pat Verbeek made the bold decision and dealt the struggling center to the St. Louis Blues for the 15th and 29th picks in this year's draft.
Instant reaction
Wow.
McTavish's name had picked up steam over the past couple days, as he had been linked to either the Blues or the New York Rangers. In the latest 32 Thoughts podcast, Elliotte Friedman stated that the Blues had offered the 11th overall pick for McTavish, but Verbeek was not interested in draft picks and was more inclined to receive a roster player in return. What the Rangers offered is unknown at this point, but Vincent Trocheck was the common denominator.
McTavish had fallen out of favor with the Ducks coaching staff over the course of the regular season, as his offensive production dropped off and his defensive miscues amplified his poor play. The former third overall draft pick was once thought to be a future cornerstone of the franchise and McTavish signed an extension with the Ducks during the past offseason. But a tough season saw McTavish fall from second line center to third line wing, to being a healthy scratch at times.
Who did the Ducks select?
With the 15th pick, the Ducks selected Nikita Klepov, a right-wing from the Saginaw Spirit, who scored 97 points (37 goals, 60 assists) in 67 games. Per the latest mock draft from The Athletic, Klepov was projected to be selected at 26, but fills the prospect pipeline of the Ducks with another potential high-end scoring threat.
As of this writing, the Ducks have yet to make their selection with the 29th pick.
What's next?
Keep watching. Verbeek has stunned Ducks fans with this deal, as it was assumed he would have gone after the immediate help over prospects. But all bets are off now.
Add us as a preferred source on Google