Blackhawks Draft Targets: Mason McTavish Brings Needed Size and Skill

The Chicago Blackhawks would bring in size and skill down the middle with Mason McTavish.

The Blackhawks were confirmed the 11th overall pick in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. Personally, I think the team should consider drafting Mason McTavish, a center with size and skill, something every contender needs to succeed.

Reading up on McTavish, the consensus is that he is a big forward who is very capable of finding space in the offensive zone. He possesses an elite shot, strong and accurate, something that will do him well at any level. On top of this, he has good vision that will help him develop plays in the offensive zone as well with puck control and strength. According to this source, McTavish plays behind the goal line, using his strength to continue cycling the puck in the zone and finding the open man.

As for his defensive game, I have read different viewpoints from analysts and fans alike. He is a great back checker who can support the defense down low. He uses his size to hit the opposition to force a turnover, or simply close a passing lane to force a turnover. He would then throw a breakout pass for a play on the rush. A couple fans have said that he’s lazy at times, not in the game, and makes mistakes. Personally, I trust the analysts thought process.

Something that seems to remain a constant is his work ethic, a guy who won’t give up on a play or take a shift off. This is something that the front office wants from their players and that’s exactly what you will get from McTavish: A relentless player with size and skill. Something that seems to be a constant as well is that he has to work on his speed and stride in order to finish his chances in the NHL. That could be a red flag, but it can be addressed if he works with a trainer, maybe Patrick Kane‘s.

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To conclude, the Blackhawks would be getting a big, skillful center to form an impactful 1-2 punch with Kirby Dach. He can play the wing as well, so a McTavish – Dach – Lukas Reichel line could be a thing if the Blackhawks choose. It would be full of skill, but also a bite and guys who aren’t afraid to crash the net. McTavish can throw the body on one shift or play the puck by taking away passing lanes, not to mention that he could potentially be an occasional enforcer as well. As long as he works on his speed, he’s a can’t-miss prospect for the Blackhawks near the end of the lottery.