Longtime forward Brayden Schenn has been named the next captain of the St. Louis Blues.
Schenn, who becomes the 24th player to wear the “C” in the team’s 56-year history, is entering his 15th NHL season and seventh with the Blues — who he won the Stanley Cup with in 2019.
“I don’t think it has set in yet, to be honest,” Schenn said, per the team’s website.
“The history of this franchise, the great captains they’ve had, and now getting your own name added to that extraordinary list, it’s a huge honor that I’m thankful for. I’m excited for the opportunity and the challenge this will bring.”
The 32-year-old joins a pretty incredible group of names to rock the captaincy for the Blues, a list that includes the likes of Red Berenson, Brian Sutter, Bernie Federko, Brett Hull, Chris Pronger, Al MacInnis and Wayne Gretzky.
“Honestly, your first initial reaction is how big of an honor it is,” Schenn added.
“I’ve always said, St. Louis has been the best thing for me. Getting the opportunity to come here and play, winning the Stanley Cup and now [being named captain], it’s an opportunity for us to work together and get back to where we feel we should be as an organization. I’m looking forward to the challenge and the opportunity to lead this team.”
Schenn, who is signed with the Blues through the 2027-28 campaign at a $6.5-million cap hit, tallied 21 goals and 65 points while dressing in all 82 games last season.
The Saskatoon, Saskatchewan native has 240 goals and 589 points over 858 career NHL games with the Kings, Flyers and Blues.
St. Louis has been captain-less since trading 2019 Conn Smythe Trophy winner Ryan O’Reilly to the Toronto Maple Leafs last season.
Star pivot Robert Thomas, along with blueliners Justin Faulk and Colton Parayko, will serve as assistant captains for the Blues next season.
