«Everything starts with an idea.» – Earl Nightingale. Recently, at Last Word On Hockey, an article was published listing the best players of the Pittsburgh Penguins who wore numbers one through ten. This inspired the idea of doing the same with the St. Louis Blues. The Blues played their first season in 1967. Over 57 seasons, many players have worn the Blues uniform. Some have stood out more than others. The goal of this series is to identify the best players who have worn each number. We will start by analyzing the best Blues players who have worn jersey numbers one through ten.
The Blues only have three statues outside the Enterprise Center. MacInnis and his legendary slapshot are one of them. One of MacInnis’ many highlights with the Blues was winning the Norris Trophy in 1999. The following season, MacInnis helped the Blues win the Presidents’ Trophy.
MacInnis’ trade to the Blues is considered one of the best in team history. Despite retiring early, MacInnis’ time with the Blues did not end there. MacInnis accepted a job as an executive in the Blues’ front office. Furthermore, as an executive with the Blues, MacInnis won his second Stanley Cup when the Blues captured it in 2019.
Arbour has the distinction of being the last player to wear glasses while playing on the ice.
Arbour was the original captain of the Blues in 1967. As captain, Arbour led the Blues in each of their three appearances in the Stanley Cup Final. Additionally, Arbour coached the Blues for a couple of seasons after retiring as a player.
The best St. Louis Blue by jersey numbers: 1-10
Another member of the original Blues team, Picard helped the Blues reach the Stanley Cup Final in 1968, 1969, and 1970. After retiring, Picard became a broadcaster for the Blues and even bought and owned a restaurant in Missouri.
Picard is known for tripping up Boston Bruins legend Bobby Orr after Orr scored the Cup-winning goal in 1970. The image of Orr in the air, arms raised in celebration, with Picard looking on from behind, is one of the most famous images in professional sports history.
