Welcome to the latest edition of the “Best St. Louis Blue by Sweater Number” series, where we honor the top players to don numbers 51-60 for the Blues.
First up, we have Noel Acciari, who made headlines before even joining the Blues for the 2022-23 season. Acciari was involved in a controversial moment in the 2019 Stanley Cup Final while playing for the Boston Bruins. Acciari was tripped by Blues center Tyler Bozak, leading to a game-winning goal by David Perron. Acciari’s move to St. Louis marked a fresh start for him and he proved to be a valuable addition to the team, showcasing his versatility by slotting in on both top and bottom lines.
Next, we have Jonas Junland, who only saw action in four NHL games but managed to tally two assists during his brief stint. Notably, one of his assists came in Keith Tkachuk’s final NHL game, leaving a lasting impression.
Moving on to Dakota Joshua, the forward started his NHL career with the Blues and played 42 games with the team. Joshua’s contributions were particularly crucial during the final stretch of the 2021-22 season as the Blues fought for a playoff spot.
Matthew Kessel, sporting the #51 jersey, left the Blues after his tenure and found success with the Vancouver Canucks, achieving a career-high in goals the following season.
Finally, we have Colton Parayko, the standout player of this group. Parayko is the longest-tenured Blue, making his debut in the 2015-16 season. He played a pivotal role in the Blues’ Western Conference Final appearance in his rookie season and played an instrumental role in the team’s Stanley Cup victory in 2019. Parayko, known for his defensive prowess, formed a formidable duo with Jay Bouwmeester, shutting down opponents’ top lines. One of his standout moments from the playoff run was a jaw-dropping slap shot that stunned goaltender Ben Bishop.
These players have left their mark on the St. Louis Blues franchise, each contributing in their own unique way to the team’s success. Stay tuned for more in our ongoing series as we continue to celebrate the best Blues players by sweater number.
