Top Players And Coaches In St. Louis Blues History

Apr 3, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; St. Louis Blues defenseman Jay Bouwmeester (19) and right wing Dmitrij Jaskin (23) and defenseman Alex Pietrangelo (27) and center Patrik Berglund (21) and center David Backes (42) prepare to face the Dallas Stars at the American Airlines Center. The Blues defeat the Stars 7-5. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

The St. Louis Blues are a storied franchise that somehow hasn’t won a Stanley Cup.

As disappointing as that is, our Blues are ready to add that trophy to the cabinet in 2016. One thing the team will  have to improve upon is their approach to the playoffs. Unfortunately, the team cannot call upon the legends of their franchise for their playoff roster this season. Wouldn’t it be something to see Brett Hull and Al MacInnis pull on the Note one more time?

Here are the top 30 players, coaches, and captains, in the St. Louis Blues team history.

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Since the team entered the league in 1967, they’ve mustered 9 division championships, 1 President’s Trophy, 0 Conference Championships, and 0 Stanley Cups.

Here are the top 30 players, coaches, and captains in Note history beginning with the forwards.

Next: Brett Hull

2. Wayne Gretzky C

Jun 4, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Kings former player Wayne Gretzky waves to the crowd after the ceremonial puck drop before game one of the 2014 Stanley Cup Final against the New York Rangers at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Many will forget that Mr. Gretzky was a Blue at one point in his legendary career. He totaled 21 points in 18 games played for the franchise. While his best years were spent with the Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings, the Blues brought Wayne in for the 1995-1996 season. Interestingly enough, he was a -6 in his one season in the Blue note during the regular season.

Gretzky’s playoff stats for the Blues were also impressive. He had 16 points in 13 playoff games in the 1996 playoffs. Perhaps he could talk to David Backes about playoff production before the 2016 Stanley Cup playoffs, but maybe that wouldn’t help either.

He left after the one year to move to New York to play for the Rangers.

Next: Pavol Demitra

3. Pavol Demitra LW

The late Pavol Demitra was a complete Blues legend. Demitra was a Blue for 8 seasons. He was a staggering +99 for the Note with his 493 points in the STL.

Demitra died in September of 2011 as a player in the Russian KHL. According to an STL Today article the former Blue and Slovakian legend was on a plane traveling to the next match for his club, Locomotiv.

Jeremy Rutherford wrote the following of Demitra’s death saying, “Lokomotiv, Demitra’s team, was traveling to play a game Thursday against Dynamo Minsk. According to Dmitry Chesnokov, a hockey reporter for Yahoo.com, the plane crashed less than a mile from the runway, caught fire and broke in two.”

Blues and NHL fans across the globe were shocked and saddened at the tragedy in Russia. Demitra was such a tremendous player for the Note that the club had a Pavol Demitra night in remembrance. Perhaps one day his number will be retired by the club as well.

Next: Vladimir Tarasenko

4. Vladimir Tarasenko RW

Jan 29, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; Nashville Predators defenseman Roman Josi (59) blocks the shot of St. Louis Blues right wing Vladimir Tarasenko (91) during the third period at Scottrade Center. The St. Louis Blues defeat the Nashville Predators 5-4 in a shoot out at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

While this selection may be a surprise to some, it certainly shouldn’t be. He is perhaps the most talented player to put on the Note (that has played for the club longer than a year). I believe he will be the superstar to lead the Blues to the first Stanley Cup in team history.

Tarasenko signed an 8-year, $60 million deal to keep him in St. Louis for years to come. He has played 202 career NHL games in St. Louis, has 80 goals to 79 assists, with a +4 rating. I would expect his consistency to continue years and years into the future.

It seems to me that Tarasenko is the guy that gets the most attention from the other team’s scouting report. Tank is only getting better with every game, and that’s a scary thought for opposing defenses.

Next: Keith Tkachuk

5. Keith Tkachuk LW

Tom Gannam, AP

Big Walt. Mr. Tkachuk is my favorite Blue of all time. Why? Look at the picture above. This picture is the quintessential Keith Tkachuk photo. It shows his toughness as well as his great attitude about the game of hockey.

Tkachuk’s best moments were captured in a Bleedin’ Blue post over the summer.

Walt spent 9 years in the Blue note. He played in 543 games as a Blue, scored 427 points, including 208 goals. His prowess in front of goal, ability to score with his face, and leadership ability with the Blues was unparalleled. Unfortunately, he couldn’t win the Stanley Cup with the Blues as a player. But hopefully the current team will avenge all the former greats who never won the Cup in the Note.

Next: Brendan Shanahan

6. Brendan Shanahan LW

Apr 13, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Toronto Maple Leafs president Brendan Shanahan talks to the press during a press conference at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

Brendan Shanahan spent 4 years in the Blue Note sweater. The majority of his career was spent as a Detroit Red Wing, but we won’t hold that against him.

Shanahan won 2 gold medals for Team Canada in addition to his illustrious NHL career. He was at one time the NHL’s chief disciplinarian, but now spends his days as the president of the Maple Leafs. His Blues numbers were 277 games played with 306 points. Quite the stats total. Unfortunately, he left the Blues after just 4 years and went on to big things with Detroit.

Next: Bernie Federko

7. Bernie Federko C

Scott Kane-USA TODAY Sports

Bernie Federko currently works the Blues games for Fox Sports Midwest. Fans of the Note get to see their legend still very much a part of the organization that he represented for 13 years.

Federko’s career Blues stats were 927 games played with 352 goals and and 721 assists. Quite the career numbers for any player, especially one of the most remembered players in Blues history. The former Captain of the Blues even has his number retired in the rafters of the Scottrade Center forever linking him to the organization he played all but one year in his 14 year NHL career.

Next: Adam Oates

8. Adam Oates C

Jan 9, 2015; Newark, NJ, USA; New Jersey Devils coach Adam Oates looks up as New Jersey Devils right wing Jaromir Jagr (68) talks with teammate center Adam Henrique (14) during a break in action against the New York Islanders during the first period at the Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

Adam Oates played in St. Louis for 3 seasons in his NHL career. Oates played 195 NHL games in St. Louis. He had 58 goals and 228 assists in his Blues career.

Oates played 22 years in the NHL and is one of its greatest players of all time. While he may have played only 3 years for our Blues, he is remembered as a big part of the Blues club history.

Oates was a “co-coach” of the New Jersey Devils for part of last season. Oates is still very much a part of the NHL.

Next: Pierre Turgeon

9. Pierre Turgeon C

Turgeon is the former no. 1 overall pick of the Buffalo Sabres. He played his first NHL season in 1987 as an 18-year-old with the Buffalo Sabres.

Turgeon played in St. Louis for 5 years (1996-2000). He played in 327 games as a Blue and added 134 goals and 221 assists. His stats truly screamed Hall of Fame caliber. Turgeon went on to play in the NHL for several other teams including the Islanders, Stars, Canadiens, and Avs. He spent 22 years in the NHL, quite the feat.

Next: Brian Sutter

10. Brian Sutter LW

Brian Sutter spent his entire NHL career with the St. Louis Blues. He impressed enough as a Blue that his number now hangs in the rafters at Scottrade Center. So if you want to play for the Note and skate around with no. 11 on your back, think again.

He was a key member of the Blues squad for 12 years running (1976-1988). His contributions on the ice were not only in points (636) and games played (779), but in the effort and chemistry he shared with his Blues teammates. Sutter would fit into the Blues roster today with that type of attitude.

Next: David Backes

11. David Backes C

Nov 19, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Blues center David Backes (42) skates with the puck during a game against the Buffalo Sabres at Scottrade Center. The Blues won the game 3-2 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: Billy Hurst-USA TODAY Sports

The current captain of the Blues, David Backes, may have worn the patience of his fans thin from time to time in his Blues career, but he is certainly a Blue through and through.

Backes has been the team captain since 2011 and has played in 672 games as a member of the Note (his whole career) and amassed 427 points. These stats may not be mind blowing, but his ability to keep the team together through difficult times must be noted.

Time and time again I’ve seen Backes stick up for his guys on the ice, give just a bit more than the defender, and represent the club and his country tremendously. His future in St. Louis is somewhat in doubt as his contract ends after this season. If I was a betting man, he’ll stick around if he’s able to win a playoff series for the Blues this summer (something that seems impossible for this team, I know).

Next: Doug Gilmour

12. Doug Gilmour C

Oct 7, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs former player Doug Gilmour signs autographs outside of the Air Canada Centre prior to the home opener against the Montreal Canadiens. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

Doug Gilmour spent the first 5 years of his NHL career with the St. Louis Blues. He was drafted by St. Louis in 7th round of the 1982 draft. Quite the steal, I’d say.

Gilmour went on to play 393 games for the Blues after that draft and totaled 354 points in that timeframe. He also played for the Maple Leafs and Flames among others in his long career which lasted until 2003 when he was 39-years-old.

Next: Al MacInnis

13. Al MacInnis D

Al MacInnis had a slap shot like you’d never believe. No. 2 now proudly hangs from the rafters at Scottrade Center. He also won the Norris Trophy in 1999 with the Note.

Al is one of my favorite Blues of all time (certainly favorite defenseman) for his hard work on the ice (and now in the board room). MacInnis will have a long future in hockey. He was a successful player, and now as an executive with the Blues as the senior advisor to the GM, Doug Armstrong.

MacInnis is 3rd all time in the NHL for defensemen with 1,274 and 10th in games played with 1,416. Too bad Al can’t lace em up for the boys in Blue one last time. They could use him on the PP and PK.

Next: Chris Pronger

14. Chris Pronger D

Nov 6, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Dancing cardboard caricatures of the newest class of Hall of Fame inductees Nicklas Lidstrom, Chris Pronger, Sergei Fedorov and Phil Housley during the Toronto Maple Leafs game against the Detroit Red Wings at Air Canada Centre. The Red Wings beat the Maple Leafs 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

Pronger was just inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame this year. His number (44) hangs in the rafters of Scottrade Center as well.

He spent 9 years with the Blues and became one of the best defensemen the club and NHL has ever seen.  Pronger’s 6’6 frame towered him above the opposition and lead him to become one of the most feared defensemen in the league (take that Zdeno Chara).

Pronger played in 598 games and had 356 points as a Blue. I hope one day we find another monster of a defensemen who can not only stop shots, but score like Pronger was able as well (Shattenkirk is pretty good too, I know).

Next: Barrett Jackman

15. Barrett Jackman D

Oct 25, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Blues defenseman Barret Jackman (5) pins Chicago Blackhawks center Andrew Shaw (65) on the ice during the first period at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Jax may not be who comes to mind for Blues fans as an all time great for the Blues. But he should.

Even though he now plays for the Nashville Predators (at least its not Chicago) he still has a special place in the hearts of Blues fans the world over.

He spent 13 years in St. Louis as a defenseman. He was drafted in 1997 in the 1st round by the Blues. With the Blues he played 803 games and totaled 181 points.

Next: Al Arbour

16. Al Arbour D

Oct 9, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Legendary New York Islanders coach Al Arbour is remembered during a moment of silence before a game against the Chicago Blackhawks at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Al Arbour was a Blues legend. He was the first captain of the team in 1967 and spent 4 years with the team before moving on to Toronto.

With the Blues, he will forever be remembered for his contributions to building this club into what it is today. He died this summer at the age of 82, and the NHL community will be forever indebted to his contributions to the game in his great coaching and playing career.

Next: Barclay Plager

17. Barclay Plager D

Plager’s number also hangs from the rafters at the Scottrade Center never to be worn again.

Plager died at the age of 46, and the NHL and St. Louis Blues community will not forget the influence he had on the game as a player.

Plager’s leadership on and off the ice as a coach and player were second to none. He was a Blue for his entire career and spent 1967-1977 as a member of the Note. He was another one of the original Blues, along with Al Arbour on this list, to make our cut in the top 30 Blues of all time.

He 44 goals and 187 assists in his regular season days as a member of the Blues.

Next: Alex Pietrangelo

18. Alex Pietrangelo D

Nov 25, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; St. Louis Blues defenseman Alex Pietrangelo (27) skates with the puck against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the second period at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Penguins won 4-3 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Pietrangelo is another current Blue to make our list of the top 30 Blues of all time. The current alternate captain for the Blues is a staunch defender with a great shot from the point as well. He plays his international hockey with Canada.

Pietrangelo was drafted in 2008 in the 1st round by the Blues. Since then, he has played in 410 regular season games, and has 229 career regular season points.

I hope he remains a Blue for a long time to come. His leadership on and off the ice will be key to any playoff run the Blues hope to make this season.

Next: Curtis Joseph

19. Curtis Joseph G

Dec 31, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Red Wings former forward Mickey Redmond (20) shoots on Toronto Maple Leafs former goalie Curtis Joseph (31) during the Alumni Showdown as part of the Winter Classic at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

Cu Jo is regarded as one of the best goalies to play the game. Joseph began his NHL career in St. Louis in 1989 at the age of 22.

He spent 6 years in St. Louis where his career GAA was 3.04 and SV% .907. I’d like to say he won the Blues a Stanley Cup, but no player in the history of the game can say that.

Cu Jo will be long remembered for his contributions to the club early on in his career.

Next: Grant Fuhr

20. Grant Fuhr G

Fuhr is one of the greatest Blues of all time. He spent 4 seasons with the club (1995-1999). There he totaled a SV% of .900 and a GAA of 2.68.

His goaltending ability kept the Blues afloat in many games and he was the difference many times for his club. He also had 6 playoff wins for the Note in his long career. The former no. 1 pick of the Edmonton Oilers, he also played for the Oilers and Sabres in his long career.

Next: Scotty Bowman

21. Scotty Bowman G

Bowman played in the Note for 4 years and totaled 110-83-45 record. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame as a a “Builder” in 1991.

He went on to win a few Stanley Cups with the Montreal Canadiens, but Blues fans will remember him as a key piece to the forming of their franchise. He played in St. Louis from 1967-1971 as an original member of the St. Louis Blues organization.

Next: Joel Quenneville

22. Joel Quenneville – Co-Head Coach

Nov 20, 2015; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Chicago Blackhawks head coach Joel Quenneville on his bench against the Calgary Flames during the third period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Calgary Flames won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

The man may be regarded as a traitor to ardent Blues supporters, but he truly was one of the best coaches the team has had in its history.

Joel was a former defensemen in the NHL, and put staunch defense at the forefront. He spent 8 years as the head coach of the Blues (1996-2004) and had an overall record of 307-191-77-18. His teams were some of the more talented that the organization ever fielded, and he was a key piece to that puzzle.

Next: Ken Hitchcock

23. Ken Hitchcock – Co-Head Coach

Apr 24, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Blues head coach Ken Hitchcock addresses the media after game five of the first round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scottrade Center. The Minnesota Wild defeat the St. Louis Blues 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

I understand this is a highly controversial pick. His reputation among fans is hot and cold at best. He has driven his teams to division titles and crashed out of the playoffs in the first round more than I’d like to remember.

Hitch came in to save a team that Davis Payne was moving in the wrong direction. Hitch then came on early in the season in 2011 to move his team to a top seed in the playoffs.

Hitch has an overall record in St. Louis of 190-85-30. He won the Stanley Cup in 1999 with the Dallas Stars as their head coach. Let’s hope he can add another to his resume this season with the Note.

24. Al Arbour – Captain

Al Arbour is my choice for the captain of our fantasy roster for the Blues. What better man to skipper the team than the one who started it all.

Arbour’s experience as a coach also gives me the confidence that his leadership ability and skill with the puck are second to none for this team. It’s a rare thing to find these days, someone who did it all. A coach that was a great player, great leader on the ice and off.

Next: Al MacInnis

25. Bernie Federko – Alternate Captain

Federko has his number retired by the team, yes. He also had a tremendous hockey career playing virtually every game in the Note. Few players understand what it means to pull on the blue note sweater more so than Federko.

He now calls the games from the booth alongside Darren Pang. He would be a great choice to wear the “A” for the St. Louis Blues in this fantasy team.

Next: Al MacInnis

26. Al MacInnis – Alternate Captain

Al MacInnis was the team captain in St. Louis from 2002-2004 for the Blues. His leadership now continues off the ice working with the club’s GM Doug Armstrong.

His slap shot was heralded as one of the best the world has ever seen, and his leadership ability on the blue line was second to none as well. He is my favorite Blues’ defender of all time and I’d like to see him with the “A”.

Next: Brett Hull

27. Brett Hull – Alternate Captain

Scott Kane-USA TODAY Sports

Hull captained the team from 1992-1995. His contributions on the ice were monumental (earning him a statue as well as a retired number).

He would be any fan’s choice for one of the “A’s” on this fantasy roster for our Blues. It’s a shame we can’t let him suit up one last time. A Blue through and through Hull’s leadership ability would be a key part to this Blues fantasy roster.

Next: Honorable Mention

28. Andy Murray – Assistant

This is a bit of a surprise for Blues fans I’d imagine. But think of it this way. Murray laid the foundation for the young core of players currently leading the team. T.J. Oshie and David Perron may be gone, but David Backes, Alex Pietrangelo, and Alex Steen are very much a part of this 2015 team and are the heart and soul of the club.

In fact, Backes is the current captain, Pietrangelo and Steen are the alternate captains. I think his contribution to the club went beyond wins and losses. He lead his team to a playoff series and his progress with the club was noted by at least one fan.

Next: Mike Liut

29. Mike Liut – G

I’d select Mike Liut as the team’s 3rd goalie. Liut played 6 seasons in St. Louis (1979-1985). He went 151-133-52 in his Blues career.

He’ll be known as one of the best goalies to ever wear the Note. I think he’d be a welcome addition to this fantasy roster for the Blues. Liut had a GAA of 3.58 and a SV% of .882 in the regular season.

He might not see much of the ice as the 3rd goalie, but rest assured Liut would be ready to roll if needed.

Next: Garry Unger

30. Garry Unger – Healthy Scratch

Unger was a center for the Blues from 1970-1979. He played 662 games in the Blue Note and had 292 Blues goals and 283 assists.

Unger would be one of the team’s healthy scratches in this fantasy lineup scenario, but that doesn’t discredit his tremendous impact put on the club during his 9 years in the Arch City.

Next: Blues Beat

Do you agree with all of these selections? I’m sure you don’t with at least some of them. Any players that shouldn’t be listed here? Any coaches you don’t agree with? How about players that were omitted? Let us know in the comments below.