A Blockbuster Deal
The Anaheim Ducks announced a trade that sent center Mason McTavish to the St. Louis Blues in exchange for two first‑round picks in the 2026 NHL Draft. The move, confirmed by both clubs on Tuesday, marks a decisive shift in the Ducks’ rebuilding timeline.
With the 15th overall selection, the Ducks chose forward Nikita Klepov, a promising prospect who impressed scouts with his blend of size, skill and work ethic. The pick adds a new layer of depth to a forward group that has been seeking a reliable scorer.
McTavish, a 2021 first‑overall draft choice, leaves Anaheim after five seasons in which he consistently posted 40 points per year. His departure clears cap space and opens a pathway for younger talent, while the Blues acquire a proven scorer who contributed 41 points in 75 games during the 2025‑26 campaign.
The Ducks now control nine selections in the 2026 draft, including four slots within the top 50. That abundance of picks gives the organization flexibility to address multiple needs across forward, defense and goaltending.
Looking Ahead
As the draft approaches, all eyes will be on how the Ducks deploy their new assets and whether Klepov can translate his collegiate success to the NHL. The trade underscores a broader strategy of leveraging future capital to accelerate growth, a plan that could reshape the franchise’s trajectory over the next several years.