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St. Louis Blues: On The Seventh Day Of Bluesmas 2017

By Todd Panula

ST. LOUIS, MO - FEBRUARY 2: Bob Plager's number is raised to the rafters along side his brother Barclay Plager's number during Bob Plager's number retirement ceremony prior to a game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the St. Louis Blues on February 2, 2017 at Scottrade Center in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Jeff Curry/NHLI via Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***
ST. LOUIS, MO - FEBRUARY 2: Bob Plager's number is raised to the rafters along side his brother Barclay Plager's number during Bob Plager's number retirement ceremony prior to a game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the St. Louis Blues on February 2, 2017 at Scottrade Center in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Jeff Curry/NHLI via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** /
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The St. Louis Blues might not be one of the revered members of the Original Six (which aren’t THE original teams, but I digress). However, they have a storied past and the numbers that hang there played an important part.

On the seventh day of Bluesmas, my true Blues gave to me, seven numbers hangins, six goose eggs laid, five scorers scoring, fourth best defending, three reinforced skates, two great goaltenders and an Adidas sweater under the tree. The St. Louis Blues’ revered hang in the rafters and some even have statues in front.

As with anything in life, there are usually two ways to look at anything. That is the case when it comes to the retired numbers for the Blues.

On one side you could make the case there could be others hanging up there. While we are talking about seven, you could make an argument for Keith Tkachuk to be in the rafters.

He played nine years in St. Louis. He scored over 200 goals and more than 400 points while wearing the blue note.

The argument against Tkachuk would not so much be against him, individually. However, there have only been seven players in the entire history of the NHL to have their numbers retired by two teams.

Big Walt, as he was called, has not had his number retired by Arizona. But, since he had more goals and points there, you might figure they would if the Blues did. So, you ask does Tkachuk belong in the conversation with names like Gretzky, Bobby Hull, Roy, Howe, Bourque, Messier and Horton?

I’d say yes on Hortron. He’s more known for Tim Horton’s bake shop at this point. No on the rest though.

That does bring up the other side of the coin with the current crop of retired numbers. Do the Blues really need seven?

As much as we love the team, they haven’t won anything. That is not to say they have not had great players, but those from outside the franchise and fan base might wonder if you’re celebrating mediocrity.

The one that always jumps out to me is Bob Gassoff. I know it is near blasphemous to ask at this stage, but I just never got why they retired his number.

He was tragically taken from this world due to a motorcycle accident. He was a very good defenseman, but the question is not one of callousness, but more curiosity. If his career played out, would he still have ended up with a retired number or would he just have been a very good defenseman?

His offensive numbers were not good, but then again very few were in those days unless your name was Orr. His defensive point share numbers are quite impressive.

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He only really played in three full seasons worth of games though. It’s hard to extrapolate that out, unless you were a teammate and could see greatness within him – which might be the case.

None of this is said with malice. There is nothing wrong with Gassoff’s number being up there. It’s just one of those things someone that did not live through that era wonders. Why is he retired officially but Doug Wickenhiser only memorialized? Anyway, moving on.

Defensemen are always hard though. Al MacInnis put up the offensive numbers and was a Norris Trophy candidate. Gassoff and even Bob Plager did not light up the scoreboard. That was not their job though.

Their job was to keep pucks out and they did it. The Plager brothers played on some of the stingiest defenses in the league, in their day.

Overall, seven seems about right for the Blues. You could make the case to take one down, but maybe you make the case to put one or two more up. Chris Pronger had a hell of a career in St. Louis. Does he ever go up? Time will tell.

In the grand scheme, the numbers up there deserve it – even Gassoff. They tell the story of the Blues history.

There was a proud story to start the team, but you understand why so few of those guys made it up there since they were castoffs from other teams.

The Plager brothers were the ones that really put this team on their shoulders, even if they did not get the recognition that stars and scorers receive. Brian Sutter literally and figuratively bled for the Blues over the years. He was also a dominating player for his time.

MacInnis only had two seasons in St. Louis where he did not register double-digit goals. One was the lockout season and he still scored eight, while the other was his final season. That was ended early by an eye injury.

Bernie Federko and Brett Hull need no accolades from this writer. Their numbers speak for themselves.

They are the leading scorers in team history. Federko’s numbers in points, assists and games played may never be touched, what with free agency.

Hull was just a special player, the likes of which may never be seen (no offense to Vladimir Tarasenko). He was a sniper for the ages.

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Each one carried the torch for the Blues, whether briefly or for decades. Some, like Bob Plager and Federko, still carry it.

Yes, in the end, questions aside, seven is a very fitting number for retired jerseys at this stage.

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