Steen Retires

[Stupendous Yappi]

This is such a bummer honestly, and it hit me harder than I thought it would.

I remember the days of always telling my hockey friends that Steen was one of the most underrated players in the league, and then he went and had a career year that next season.

From the days of the SOB line, to the finish with him, Sunny, and Barbie, I’m forever grateful that we got to watch him play here since 2008.

I also don’t know if I can go to another game in Anaheim.

My last two visits(same game technically) were Bo, Steener, and Petro’s last regular season games in the Blue Note. There’s some bad juju in that building.

Anaheim is the place that Bouwmeester survived what would have been a fatal event 99% of other settings. He had rapid access to a defibrillator and medical attention. I view Anaheim differently than you do.

 

[Veneficus]

Glad he got to raise the cup here, always liked his play style. Never seemed to have an ego but his work ethic was great. Enjoy your retirement Steener

 

[Mike Liut]

Really good all around player. He was just forced into the #1 line with Backes and Oshie for several years. That would have been a great 2nd line.

 

[CaliforniaBlues310]

Anaheim is the place that Bouwmeester survived what would have been a fatal event 99% of other settings. He had rapid access to a defibrillator and medical attention. I view Anaheim differently than you do.

Medically speaking, yeah. However, you didn’t have to watch it happen in real time, directly across the ice from you. I bought lower bowl seats that game because they were dirt cheap.

 

[CaliforniaBlues310]

On the opposite end of your sentiment here, I had just moved to Vegas, and was debating on going to that game because tickets were dirt cheap and decided against it because Cali had a bunch of restrictions in place already. This game, and game 6 against the Sharks ( that i had also decided not to go to, hoping I would be able to score some tickets at a decent price for the finals) are the games I have the biggest regret not going to since I had the chance.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad I got to go to the last game before COVID hit. However, the circumstances of those two nights are a bummer right now. Later down the road I’ll be much happier I was there the second night.

 

[BrokenFace]

And, I believe, third all time in Blues playoff games played.

Losing him and Pietrangelo (second all time) in the same offseason is a pretty major locker room change. Going to be interesting to see what personalities fill the void and how the personality of the team adjusts.

I know it's older news and he's not as big of a personality, but this will be the first season without Bouwmeester too. However you want phrase it, that is a lot of games played / experience / leadership / locker room presence we are losing this coming season.

 

[jura]

One of the best reverce hitter on NHL and loved his attitude to the game.

This was Steen big affect on this series. Turning point of series.

Loved that line. Barbashev - Sundqvist- Steen

This goal so perfect example of how Blues played and that pressure hitting game was so succesful.

lol i was about to post dat gif Steener <3

 

[Mike Liut]

I remember the year he had like 15 goals in his first 15 games and got a contract extension. Is my memory correct?

 

[Eldon Reid]

I remember the year he had like 15 goals in his first 15 games and got a contract extension. Is my memory correct?

I can't remember what he had in certain time frame, but he was having career year he signed.

He had 22 goals 14 assists when he signed 3 year extension in middle of December 2013.

 

[Mike Liut]

I can't remember what he had in certain time frame, but he was having career year he signed.

He had 22 goals 14 assists when he signed 3 year extension in middle of December 2013.

yeah, it was something crazy. He was on fire. Didn’t he get hurt right after that too?

 

[BlueDream]

Well our team is certainly going to be different now. As it’s been mentioned, Pietrangelo, Steen and Bouwmeester all being gone means we have a very different leadership group. Looking at the roster, it feels to me that the team is now in the hands of O’Reilly, Schenn and Parayko as the main leaders. Add Tarasenko to that group if he can rebound.

We did just get younger though, at least. Bozak and Gunnarsson are now the elder statesmen on the team at 34. Everyone else is fairly young, being under 32. And it’s fairly likely that both Bozak and Gunnarsson will play their final season as a Blue this year.

Best of luck to Steen, hope he’s able to get healthy and live a good life.

 

[Mike Liut]

Well our team is certainly going to be different now. As it’s been mentioned, Pietrangelo, Steen and Bouwmeester all being gone means we have a very different leadership group. Looking at the roster, it feels to me that the team is now in the hands of O’Reilly, Schenn and Parayko as the main leaders. Add Tarasenko to that group if he can rebound.

We did just get younger though, at least. Bozak and Gunnarsson are now the elder statesmen on the team at 34. Everyone else is fairly young, being under 32. And it’s fairly likely that both Bozak and Gunnarsson will play their final season as a Blue this year.

Best of luck to Steen, hope he’s able to get healthy and live a good life.

I’d add Schwartz to that leadership group

 

[mk80]

And, I believe, third all time in Blues playoff games played.

Losing him and Pietrangelo (second all time) in the same offseason is a pretty major locker room change. Going to be interesting to see what personalities fill the void and how the personality of the team adjusts.

Speaking of locker room change

 

[Ginger Papa]

Hi folks,

I hope you don’t mind me dropping in to pay my respects to a great St. Louis Blue.

I recall a couple of Podcasts that had interviews with members of the Blues Coaching Staff where they commented on a conversation with Alex when it came time for him to change his role.

Apparently it was brief, as Alex was so professional he simply just needed to know what was expected of him. A “low maintenance” player.

I grew up watching Alex’s father playing for the Jets 1.0, also a class act.

Hat tip to you folks for the kind dedications you’re sharing in this Thread. I think it’s so important for younger fans to be able read through these to get an appreciation of the solid careers of players like Alex.

All the best to everyone here as we approach the Holidays.

Cheers

 

[simon IC]

This hit me harder than I thought it would. I saw this thread this afternoon and was too upset to post. Goodbye Alex Steen, and thank you for your contributions over the years! You are a pure class act.

 

[Stlblue50]

Speaking of locker room change

I’ve seen Schwartz, Perron, ROR, ect wear A’s last season

 

[Stlblue50]

This hit me harder than I thought it would. I saw this thread this afternoon and was too upset to post. Goodbye Alex Steen, and thank you for your contributions over the years! You are a pure class act.

Steen is a rare breed that has stayed loyal and given his all to one sports organization over a long period. Certainly sad to see him retire but the writing has been on the wall for a little while. So at least he went out on a high with winning a cup recently and the team having a really good follow up season last year (F the summer tournament).

Losing JayBo the way we did stings more because besides his age there was no sign he was going to retire. Screw Petro because he could have resigned if he really wanted to.

 

[Renard]

I was a long-time fan of Steen, although need never seemed to smile (except for after the game winning overtime goal against the Kings).

I think of what might have been. One season, he was leading the league in goals scored as late as November or December, and was then concussed in a road game. He missed considerable time, and was never again that good a player.

He was an outstanding two way player in his prime.

 

[Stupendous Yappi]

I recall after the Stempniak trade, there was debate for quite a while whether Colaiacovo or Steen were the main piece coming back. Frankly, for a couple years. Although Stempniak had a decent career, I think Steen proved he was the best player in that trade.

I recall Hitchcock making some comments to the effect that he never needed to coach Steen. He was always ready to play. He was certainly gracious in his shift to the 4th line.

On several occasions I’ve heard young players on the team acknowledge Steen’s mentorship as being important in helping them grow as players.

I hope we see him behind the bench in this league some day, if that’s what he wants to do.

 

[StlBill]

I’ve seen Schwartz, Perron, ROR, ect wear A’s last season

Schenn also wore the A last year

 

[TheDizee]

The #20 will be retired one day for helping lead the franchise to their first cup.

He will be missed. Great leader.

 

[mk80]

I’ve seen Schwartz, Perron, ROR, ect wear A’s last season

That's true, I didn't remember that. I'd expect they will all likely have letters on their jerseys this year as well.

 

[ItsOnlytheRiver]

One of the most important players of this era. He brought it every shift influencing the work ethic on the ice and his leadership off is well documented. He gave his body to this team - of course he gets to run out his contract here. It was never going to go another way.

 

[Mike Liut]

The #20 will be retired one day for helping lead the franchise to their first cup.

He will be missed. Great leader.

Man, I’m not sure about that. Possibly I guess.

 

[StLewis11]

Steen represented the Blues with class both on & off the ice. He's one of the reasons I'm proud to be a Blues fan. I thank him for all he did, he gets a heartfelt standing ovation from me.