Anaheim Ducks Ex‑Coaches Praise Mason McTavish’s Trade Value

Anaheim Ducks fans got a clear signal that Mason McTavish remains a high‑upside player when former Ducks coaches Greg Cronin and Craig Johnson told The Athletic they still see big potential after his trade to St. Louis. The Ducks sit 7th in the Western Conference with a 43-33 record, on a W1 streak, and McTavish’s departure is already being dissected.

What did the Ducks’ former coaches say about McTavish?

Cronin, who led the Ducks for two seasons before his April 2025 dismissal, recalled McTavish’s development in 2023‑24 and 2024‑25. He highlighted the forward’s 41 goals and 94 points over 140 games, noting a career‑high 22 goals and 52 points in the 2024‑25 campaign. “He seemed to be coming along my last year,” Cronin said, pointing to improved skating and decision‑making. He admitted he doesn’t know why the Ducks made him tradable, but called him “a good player.”

How did assistant Craig Johnson view McTavish’s work ethic?

Johnson, who spent more one‑on‑one time with McTavish in the video room, remembered the forward’s competitive spark. “If we would be working on certain things after practice, he loved to compete,” Johnson explained. He praised McTavish’s willingness to chase the right‑hand shot and constantly ask how to improve, traits Johnson said every NHL team values. Johnson’s perspective adds weight because he coached McTavish daily during his Anaheim tenure.

Why does the Blues believe McTavish can become a top‑line center?

St. Louis’ front office, led by former GM Doug Armstrong, used the coaches’ insights as part of a broader data‑driven evaluation. The Blues see McTavish’s age—23—and his upward trajectory as signs he can fill a centre role on a team looking to bolster its scoring depth. His rookie season produced 17 goals and 43 points, and he followed that with 19 goals and 42 points despite a sprained knee that ended his 2023‑24 regular season early.

What does this mean for the Ducks moving forward?

The Ducks lose a player who showed flashes of elite potential, but the trade also frees up cap space and a draft asset that could be leveraged for younger talent. With the team currently holding a 43-33 record and a modest winning streak, the front office will need to replace McTavish’s offensive contributions quickly. The coaching staff’s endorsement of his skill set suggests the Ducks may still monitor his progress, perhaps hoping a future return could be negotiated.

How will McTavish fit into the Blues’ lineup?

Jim Montgomery’s staff, now joined by Cronin as an assistant, plans to slot McTavish on the second line, pairing him with a veteran winger to accelerate his adaptation to the Blues’ system. The expectation is that his competitive edge, highlighted by Johnson, will translate into consistent puck possession and scoring chances. If he replicates his 2024‑25 production, the Blues could see a significant boost to their power‑play unit.

The conversation between former Ducks coaches and the Blues underscores how player development narratives travel across the league. While Anaheim watches from a 7th‑place Western Conference spot, McTavish’s next chapter could shape both his career and the strategic moves of two Pacific‑division teams.