In the world of hockey, as Earl Nightingale once said, “everything begins with an idea.” And so, it was with this idea in mind that a recent article on Last Word On Hockey highlighted the best Pittsburgh Penguin players to wear numbers one through ten, sparking inspiration for a similar venture with the St. Louis Blues.
Since their inaugural season in 1967, the St. Louis Blues have seen 57 seasons filled with players donning the iconic blue and gold uniform. Some players have left a lasting impact, and the goal now is to identify the best to have worn each jersey number. Today, we begin by examining the top Blues players to have sported numbers one through ten.
The Blues proudly display three statues outside the Enterprise Center, one of which immortalizes Al MacInnis and his legendary slap shot. MacInnis’s time with the Blues was marked by accolades, including winning the Norris Trophy in 1999 and helping the team secure the President’s Trophy the following season. His trade to the Blues is heralded as one of the best in team history, and even after retirement, MacInnis continued to contribute to the Blues as an executive, eventually celebrating his second Stanley Cup win in 2019.
Another Blues legend, Al Arbour, holds the distinction of being the last player to wear glasses while playing on the ice. As the original captain of the Blues in 1967, Arbour led the team to three appearances in the Stanley Cup Final and later served as a coach for the franchise. His impact on the Blues’ history is undeniable.
Moving on to the best Blues players by jersey numbers one through ten, we come across Barclay Plager, a key member of the original Blues team who helped the franchise reach the Stanley Cup Final in three consecutive years. Post-retirement, Picard transitioned into a broadcasting role for the Blues and even ventured into restaurant ownership in Missouri. Notably, Picard is remembered for his infamous trip on Boston Bruins legend Bobby Orr following Orr’s Cup-winning goal in 1970, a moment that is etched in sports history.
As we delve deeper into the rich history of the St. Louis Blues and their iconic players, one thing remains clear: the impact of these individuals transcends the game itself, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of fans and the annals of hockey history. Stay tuned as we continue to celebrate the best to have ever worn the blue and gold of the St. Louis Blues.
