Veteran Nichol sees opportunity with Blues

Center expected to fill fourth line role; shoulder injury right on schedule

By LOUIE KORAC
HAZELWOOD, Mo. -- Scott Nichol knows a thing or two about winning. He's been a part of some successful teams in recent seasons with Nashville and recently San Jose that have been to the playoffs.

So when Nichol decided St. Louis is where he wanted to spend his 12th NHL season, there was one specific reason in mind.

"I think we have all the pieces," Nichol said, adding, "... You don't want to compare team to team, but we have bonafide superstars in here. I don't know if they know that yet. I think they have to believe in it themselves."

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Scott Nichol (left) gives the Blues a veteran presence with a winning attitude

That speaks volumes coming from a guy who spent the last two seasons playing with the likes of Joe Thornton, Patrick Marleau, Dany Heatley, Dan Boyle and others.

"If you look from guy to guy from, say, San Jose's team to our team, we match up very well ... maybe a little bit younger, maybe not as poised as maybe the Joe Thorntons or Patty (Marleau) because they have been around for a little while," Nichol said. "That'll come with experience and that'll come with taking your lumps the last couple years of having success and then not having it. I think it's going to be a really exciting year. I think we're going to surprise a lot of people."

When the Blues went out and added Jamie Langenbrunner and Jason Arnott, these are names that people recognize as talented-laden players. But there's always a need for that gritty, fourth line-type of guy who will give you all he's got without the glamour; the guy that won't see his name in print or on the highlight reels every day.

The Blues addressed two needs when signing Nichol to a one-year, $700,000 contract: someone to handle the center position and someone who can give them that grit.

"I'm not the most skilled guy, that's for sure," Nichol joked. "But I'm gonna go out there and just work. Being a (blue-collared guy), I think that's what's kept me in the league for so long. You want to find that niche that keeps you in the league.

"I think winning face-offs, giving it my all every single shift and taking the body and adding a little excitement, that's what fourth-line guys do. Win big face-offs, kill penalties and be reliable on the ice in different aspects of the game is what I can do."

Said Blues coach Davis Payne, "A guy like Scotty Nichol, who's a good face-off guy, now all of the sudden, key responsibilities come to play in there with a guy like (Vladimir) Sobotka."

Nichol is coming off of surgery in late May to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder.

Everything seems to be geared towards playing in the opener on Oct. 8.

"I went and got it checked out (Monday) by the team doctor here," Nichol said. "Everything looks like it's on pace for getting strong. It feels good and every day has been -- for my peace of mind -- a little more bumping.

"... I'll be ready for sure, unless we have a major setback." That's why Nichol made sure he got the procedure done immediately, "because we knew the clock was ticking with this type of surgery."

Nichol, who has been a Blues killer in the past with 10 of his 52 career goals against them, will take the necessary precautions before being deemed 100 percent ready to go. But in pre-camp preparations with his new teammates, the veteran Nichol likes what he sees.

"I'm really excited," he said. "It's a testament to the guys coming back so early and skating all together. ... These young guys, they came back, they're focused and ready to go and I think that's a really good attribute to have."

And the mindset of expecting to be a playoff team instead of hopeful is the attitude Nichol said these players need to embrace.

"Absolutely, you have to. And you can't just expect to get in," Nichol said. "I think we did that in Nashville while I was there for four years and we'd just get in the last week of the season and then we lose in the first round. Because our goal was to get into the playoffs and then it seemed like we were so focused on getting in ... even though we gave it our all, you're so tapped out by the time the first round comes.

"You want to create that winning environment and believe in one another that we're going to win every night. You want to be looking by the last month and the end of the year, you want to be looking down at the standings at everybody else dog-fighting it for every last spot in the playoffs. ... It happened to us last year. We were in the 12th spot in January and we had to work like dogs to make the playoffs. I think we gassed out. You look at Detroit the year before when they struggled and ended up squeaking in. We played them in the second round and they ran out of gas also."

Nichol's role is expected to be the fourth-line center between Sobotka and B.J. Crombeen, and don't expect a drop in intensity when that line is on the ice.

"If you have four lines that can play, it does take a little bit of wear and tear off of everybody else," Nichol said. "The biggest thing is getting the coach to have confidence in us. Once we have confidence, we play a lot better. It's just like anybody. If you have confidence, you play well. If you don't, it's not a real fun game to play. Having four lines that can play is huge. Look at the upper-echelon teams, all four lines can play."

Which is why the Blues built up all four of their lines.

Elliott ready for goaltending battle

Netminder signed as free agent will compete with Bishop for backup role

By LOUIE KORAC
HAZELWOOD, Mo. -- By his own admission, Brian Elliott's upcoming challenge is nothing new.

Elliott, signed as a free agent on July 1, will compete with local native Ben Bishop for the backup role with the Blues this season behind starter Jaroslav Halak.

"It's something that I've gone through my whole career," the 26-year-old Elliott said after arriving in St. Louis Thursday. "In college (at the University of Wisconsin), I came in and backed up the first two years, but I definitely pushed for that starting spot. When I got the chance, I ran with it."

Elliott signed a one-year, two-way contract for $600,000 after statistically having his worst NHL season, splitting time between Ottawa and Colorado.

Elliott, who was 29-18-4 with a 2.57 goals-against average and .909 save percentage in 2009-10 with the Senators, saw his numbers turn for the worse last season.

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Brian Elliott will battle for the backup job behind Jaroslav Halak.

Elliott began in Ottawa and was 13-19-8 with a 3.19 GAA and .894 save percentage before being traded to the Avalanche for fellow netminder Craig Anderson. When he got to Colorado, it didn't get any better, as he went 2-8-1 with a 3.83 GAA and .891 save percentage to end the season.

"That's the toughest part, not letting yourself get down or being too hard on yourself, trying to do too much," Elliott said. "When you do that, that's when things get even worse. I think as a whole team, you have to stay level-headed the whole time. If you hit a couple bad games in a row, you just kind of have to bounce back and not worry about it and know you have confidence in each other in the room to get it done.

Elliott said he didn't feel as bad as the numbers may have looked last season.

"There are times I felt I played really well (last season)," he said. "Sometimes you didn't get the win when you played really well. It's something you have to learn from and not forget about it totally. But it is a new year, a new start. The standings are zero, zero, zero all the way down, so it's exciting to get that chance and opportunity to be a part of something special."

Elliott went into the summer with the realization that goalies were going to go fast and furious. So instead of waiting to see if there would be a one-way deal somewhere, he liked what he saw with the Blues and embraces the challenge.

"Looking around, this is definitely a team on the up and up," Elliott said of the Blues. "They're young and they obviously acquired some good leadership in the summertime. It's something I wanted to be a part of. There's great history and pride that comes on a team like this. I'm excited to get the chance to be a part of it.

"There were definitely opportunities out there, but things went really quick for goalies. You kind of just had to make a decision. Teams were waiting on different people to get answers back. Obviously here, they were pretty interested in me. They wanted to get me, and it's nice to know you feel wanted and to be a part of the team."

Prior to his 29-win season in 09-10, Elliott won 16 games the previous season, so it's not like the Blues are looking at someone on the downside of their career. But coming from that particular position, Elliott says proving yourself is an everyday occurance.

"As a goalie today, I think you have to prove yourself basically every day you're out on the ice," he said. "There's no difference here. I want to be the best that I can be on any given day. It's just a matter of making stops. If you do that, you'll solidify your spot in the league. You'll always go through trials and tribulations. It's just how you handle them and move forward. That describes the type of player you are."

The Blues will most certainly keep their eye in this goalie battle when camp gets underway Friday.

"I think there's quite a few (battles) that are intriguing," Blues coach Davis Payne said. "Obviously Bishop and Elliott is one when you start at the back. We know that that's a legitimate competition to see who's going to back Jaro up."

Elliott understands either he or Bishop will win the job here and the other will make the journey to Peoria and play for the team's AHL affiliate. Whatever happens, the Newmarket, Ontario native Elliott is prepared.

"It's kind of been the story of my career," Elliott said. "I don't have any reservations about it. I'm excited for it. I just want to be the best teammate possible.

"There's a lot of good talent here. Just from going in and playing St. Louis, the crowd was rocking every night. It's pretty cool to see that hockey's still alive down here. It was almost better than being in Canada. It's pretty cool to be a part of it now. I'm excited for it."

Backes gets the nod as new 'C'

Forward becomes 20th captain in franchise history;

Jackman, McDonald, Steen, Langenbrunner named assistants

By LOUIE KORAC
HAZELWOOD, Mo. -- The names of Nicklas Lidstrom, Jonathan Toews, Shea Weber and Rick Nash have been synonymous in the Central Division when it comes to leadership.

All have worn the 'C' on their chest and worn it well.

The Blues had been captain-less since they dealt away Eric Brewer in February, but that distinction exists no more.

David Backes can add his name to the Central Division fraternity. He was named the 20th captain in Blues franchise history, which was announced by coach Davis Payne and general manager Doug Armstrong Friday at the team's practice facility inside St. Louis Mills.

The team also announced that Barret Jackman, Andy McDonald, Alex Steen and Jamie Langenbrunner will serve as assistant captains and will alternate pairs at home and on the road.

David Backes becomes the 20th captain in franchise history

"That's something as an organization we take very seriously," Armstrong said in naming a captain. "Davis and I talked extensively over the summer about the right person to become the 20th captain and the assistant captains.

"It's someone that we truly believe can lead this franchise, not only this year but in the future; someone that has a great relationship with Davis, an excellent relationship with his teammates (and) has all the qualities we want in a captain."

Backes, 27, begins the first year of a five-year, $22.5 million extension he signed early last season. He has certainly become the face of this franchise, one that was looking to put in place someone that can lead for the next 5-10 years or even longer.

"Obviously a huge honor," said Backes, who led the Blues in goals (31) and points (62) a season ago. "Some of the guys that have come before me wearing the 'C': Brett Hull, Wayne Gretzky, the Plager brothers, Bernie Federko, other leaders of the team, Al MacInnis and the management, guys that I get to converse with and get to learn from every single day. To have those guys around me and to try and follow in their footsteps, hopefully I can do a fraction of the job those guys were able to do.

"Hopefully, I can be the guy that the team looks to when we're having tough times, when we're having good times. I'm a more of lead-by-example hopefully type of guy when we're going out there getting the job done."

Backes, who set a career high in points last season as well as plus-minus (plus-32) and tied career highs in goals and assists (31), was the Blues' second round draft choice (62nd overall) in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. He's made the transition from a power forward right winger to a power center and has been a natural as far as a leadership role since Day 1.

"When you walk into our locker room down at Scottrade, one of the first plaques you see is guys that have worn the 'C' for the St. Louis Blues," Payne said. "We feel the guy we're naming here today fits that mold. He's a guy that plays important minutes, plays in quality situations, provides emotional leadership, provides stability, is a leader amongst his teammates, a leader in the community and committed to this city and this franchise long-term. He's a guy who bleeds blue."

Added Jackman, "He came in with the maturity level of an older guy. He took in everything around him, he learned from a lot of the older guys and learned what it took to be a professional. You see him in the weight room, he works hard. On the ice, he works hard. He's very conscience of the players around him and the people around him. He's definitely a true leader."


"You definitely categorized him as a natural leader," McDonald said of Backes. "Probably even before he had a letter on his shirt, you can see it. The things he does off the ice and obviously what he does on the ice, he was probably one of the best players last year. He led every night by example on the ice. He's a perfect fit for us."

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The letter on David Backes will change from 'A' to 'C' this season

Four past Blues captains (Bernie Federko, Al MacInnis, Bobby Plager and Rick Meagher) were on hand Friday. They all believe the franchise's choice was a good one.

"He's grown into that leadership role," Federko, the Blues' captain for the 1988-89 season, said of Backes. "He's got time left on his contract and he's even said it himself that he'd like to be here at least another five years or whatever it is and he'd like to stay here and be a part of the Blues forever. It's unfortunate that that's sometimes lacking in the league right now, but things have changed and players move a lot more than they did in my day, but I think David's a fixture here and he'd like to prove that."

There may be some surprise regarding Alex Pietrangelo, who wore an 'A' last season and some felt he could have been pegged the next captain had it not been Backes, or even named an assistant.

But MacInnis, captain from 2002-04, said, "Alex is in a stage in his career where he needs to focus on just playing and becoming the player that he's starting to become, and not have to take on worries that a young player might take on too much too early. So I think it's important that we allow Alex just to play and become the player that we all think he's going to be. He made leaps and bounds last year and he's fun to watch and he's going to be a huge part of this franchise for many years."

Backes, the team leader in hits (213) a season ago, said just because he will wear a 'C' now, doesn't mean that will alter what he has been and what he can become.

"I'm not going to change who I am, I'm not going to change the way I've played," he said. "It's just go about business and make sure that I'm doing all the things that made me successful. Just a little bit more spotlight or a little bit more emphasis on everything I do is maybe looked upon by a younger guy or someone else.

"We're going to lean on each other as a whole to lead this team and to make sure that we're getting the job done and we're back in the playoffs where the Blues were for 25-plus years in a row. We need that tradition to come back and come back in a good way."

Backes also likes the idea of being lumped together with the other captains within the division. He'd like to beat them as much as possible, too.

"What a great honor and challenge to face, especially in our division," Backes said. "You look at Nik Lidstrom, Jonathan Toews, Shea Weber, Rick Nash, guys that are all world class players. To be seen in the same light as them and to lead my troops against their troops, what a great challenge, what a great opportunity to not only play against them but to get the better of them on a regular basis.

"There's no promises as far as victories, but the effort and dedication and will that our team is going to show is going to be second to none."

Stewart could have big impact on Blues' success

Power forward leaner, lighter, ready to help team get to higher ground in West

By LOUIE KORAC
HAZELWOOD, Mo. -- Chris Stewart's heard it all. He'll score 30 goals, 40 goals. A monster season is ahead of him.

The Blues feel like it's in the 23-year-old as well, and if that's the case, a full season of Stewart will only enhance the Blues' chances of ascending up the Western Conference standings.

"What's not to like about him," Blues center Patrik Berglund asked recently. "He's big, strong, he can handle the puck well. His presence in front of the net is something we need on this team. We developed some good chemistry playing together last season and I'm looking forward to doing it again this year."

In 62 games last season, Stewart tied a career best with 28 goals (15 of them came in 26 games after being traded from Colorado to the Blues) but many in the hockey world feel like this is a 30-, 40-goal scorer and 2011-12 could be the year to do it.

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Chris Stewart's production could be key to a successful Blues' season.

"You can't put a number on it when it comes stat-wise," said the Toronto native. "I feel like if I can play the way I play, you're going to get your opportunities and those kinds of things will take care of themselves. I started to develop a lot of chemistry with Berglund at the end of the year. I think a fresh start at the beginning of the year is only going to help us both."

A line of Berglund, Stewart and T.J. Oshie is one that Blues coach Davis Payne will have a keen eye on as the season unveils ... especially Stewart.

"He's a guy we know can score, he's a guy that we know can have a physical role in a game," Payne said of Stewart. "How he puts that together in a game night in and night out, how he finds that high level of consistency is what we're looking for.

"We feel he can be a dominant forward in this league. Part of that is consistency and putting his mind to it. That commitment and that understanding allows us to put him on the ice more. That's a big advantage for us if we can get to that."

Added Stewart, "Those are two great players to play with. You've got big Bergy who can shoot the puck. He wins a lot of draws and handles the puck. Oshie's a great playmaker. He likes to go into the corners and throw the body. I'm more of the simple power forward, just create room for them and let them do their thing and (myself) get the ugly goals. I'm perfectly fine with that. We've got a special bond off the ice. We hang out together and we're just going to have some fun."

Stewart was listed as 6-foot-2, 228 pounds to end last season but has trimmed off five pounds and is leaner in the body fat count, down to around 12 percent from 14-15.

"I took the off-season to get as strong as possible," said Stewart, who represented Canada at the World Championships. "Once late July or August comes around, you start worrying more about the on-ice conditioning and stuff like that. I was using that every day to get better. I feel like I'm ready to go right now. I can't wait for opening night, can't wait for training camp."

Stewart got off to a bit of a slow start in Colorado last season, scoring only 13 goals in 36 games. But many were surprised the Avalanche would give up on a 23-year-old with so much upside, especially one that potted 28 goals and 64 points in his second NHL season.

But with the Blues' style of play, Stewart feels like he fits in accordingly.

"There's really no restrictions here," Stewart said. "You've got a lot of offensive power here. I think my job is not really to carry the puck, just kind of give it and go to the net. Just simplify things. The nights I simplify my game the most are the nights I have the most success."

Stewart, like many of his Blues teammates, have been in town prepping for the start of the season, and in particular, training camp, which begins a week from Friday.

"I've just felt like it's been a really long summer," Stewart said. "It's no secret that no one was happy leaving last year. There's obviously a lot of high expectations. ... You can see, we're probably one of the only teams in the league that has 90 percent of our team here right now. It's a good thing to see.

"As far as personal goals, I'm just going to fit them into team goals. Whatever I can do to help my team win every night, that's going to be the attitude."

And the attitude for the entire team is expecting to be in the postseason, not being hopeful. And if the Blues climb that tough ladder, Stewart's production will be vital.

"That has to be the whole attitude, the whole swagger," Stewart said. "We're not going to come around and be passengers anymore. It's time for this team to take the bull by the horns.

"I think the sky's the limit for us. We've made some key acquisitions over the off-season. I think if we come in and have a healthy year, there's no reason why we can't win our division."

News of plane crash hits home for Jackman

Blues' defenseman was teammate of fallen player Pavol Demitra

By LOUIE KORAC
HAZELWOOD, Mo. -- It might not sound that way in a normal, ordinary conversation, but Blues defenseman Barret Jackman was sincere when he said he hoped that former Blue Pavol Demitra was injured.

But when the realization came that Jackman's former teammate and friend was one of 43 that perished in the tragic plane crash that took the lives of the KHL's Yaroslavl Lokomotiv hockey squad, shock and sorrow quickly set in.

Barret Jackman

"I was in disbelief. I didn't want to believe he was actually on that flight," Jackman said of Demitra. "I kept saying to my wife, 'I hope he's injured. I hope somebody in his family was sick at the time and he had to stay back.' I say that in a good way. Until the confirmation came later on in the day, I was holding out hope.

"You're obviously devastated and crushed. I can't think of anybody but his family at this time."

Jackman's career was just beginning with the Blues when the 36-year-old Demitra was in the prime of his NHL career.

Jackman played one game with the Blues in the 2001-02 season but became a regular the following year, playing with Demitra for the next two seasons.

"He was an unbelievable guy, unbelievable teammate," Jackman said of Demitra. "I've never had a negative thing to say about him. It's one of those things where you hate it to happen and it really hits home when it's somebody you knew.

"From the moment I walked into the dressing room, he was very nice, very warm and friendly. He was always joking around with the guys. Europeans sometimes stay on the outside, but he was right in there. He was the heart and soul of the team, had great friends, was like a brother to Walt (Keith Tkachuk) and tight with Dougie (Doug Weight) and Al (MacInnis) and all the older and younger guys. He and his wife were good friends with everyone."

Demitra's career saw him net 304 goals and 768 career points playing for the Blues, Ottawa, Los Angeles, Minnesota and Vancouver. But Demitra left North America, not for greener pastures of Russia but for the love of the game and to help extend his career.

Pavol Demitra

"You're in here and it's a business, but it's also a game that you love and you never take it for granted," Jackman said. "Pav was one of those guys. He made a lot of money throughout his career. ... He never did it for the money, he never did it for fame. He did it because he loved the game and that's the reason he was in Russia.

"You're talking about an all-star type caliber of player and an all-star type caliber guy, father and husband."

Jackman also knew Lokomotiv head coach Brad McCrimmon and has played against a handful of others, including Ruslan Salei, who last played in the NHL with the Detroit Red Wings. Blues center Patrik Berglund said he roomed with Swedish goalie Stefan Liv for a couple days playing in a junior tournament.

"It's not just one city or town that's affected by that crash," Jackman said. "Many nationalities were involved. All those guys come from many places and it impacts players, fans, the community. ... Any time it affects a hockey player, it's like family."

Ex-Blues Demitra, Korolev among 43 dead in plane crash

Players were part of KHL hockey team that

perished upon takeoff for season-opener

By LOUIE KORAC
ST. LOUIS -- Former Blues players Pavol Demitra and Igor Korolev were among the victims Wednesday when a plane carrying the hockey team Yaroslavl Lokomotiv crashed en route to the team's first game.

In total, 45 people were on board the chartered jetliner, a Yak-42, and 43 (37 passengers, eight crew members) died in the crash that happened just as the team departed from the airport at Tunoshna for Minsk, Belarus to open the Kontinental Hockey League season Thursday against Dynamo Minsk. Two people, Russian player Alexander Galimov and crew member Alexander Sizov were the lone survivors. Both were listed in critical condition.

Other former NHLers confirmed dead in the crash included the team’s head coach, Brad McCrimmon, Ruslan Salei, Josef Vasicek, Karel Rachunek, Karlis Skrastins and Alexander Karpovtsev.

(AP/Misha Japaridze)

Rescue workers sift through the debris of the charred wreckage of a Russian

plane that crashed shortly after takeoff Wednesday that killed former Blues

players Pavol Demitra and Igor Korolev.

The NHL has been hit hard with sudden, tragic deaths this summer, beginning with the death of Derek Boggaard, followed by Rick Rypien and recently, Wade Belak.

And now comes one of the worst aviation accidents in sports history and the worst in hockey history.

"Though it occurred thousands of miles away from our home arenas, this tragedy represents a catastrophic loss to the hockey world -- including the NHL family, which lost so many fathers, sons, teammates and friends," NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement.

The Blues were deeply affected by the tragedy with the loss Demitra and Korolev.

"On behalf of the St. Louis Blues, we are deeply saddened by the tragedy that took place today in Russia involving the Lokomotiv Yaroslavl hockey club," Blues President John Davidson said on a statement Wednesday. "The entire hockey community has been affected by this news and our most heart-felt condolences go out to the families of those who perished.

"The St. Louis Blues have lost two members of our family, Pavol Demitra and Igor Korolev, and our thoughts and prayers are with their families as well. Pavol and Igor were both incredibly passionate and dedicated players and their influence in St. Louis was not only felt on the ice, but throughout the community."

Demitra had a distinguished career in the NHL playing for the Blues, Los Angeles Kings, Minnesota Wild and Vancouver Canucks. He was originally drafted by the Ottawa Senators and traded to the Blues on Nov. 26, 1996 for defenseman Christer Olsson in arguably Mike Keenan's greatest feat as coach and general manager of the Blues.

The Slovakia native scored 204 goals and added another 289 assists in 494 career games for the Blues from 1996-2004. The 36-year-old Demitra, who leaves behind wife Maja and children Lucas and Zara, played on some memorable lines in his Blues career, including the 'Slovak Line' with Michal Handzus and Lubos Bartecko. But his best numbers in a Blues uniform came playing with Keith Tkachuk and current Blues assistant coach Scott Mellanby.

"I am beyond devastated by the tragic news involving my good friends Brad and Pavol and the rest of their teammates in Russia," Tkachuk said in a statement released by the Blues. "Brad was my teammate in Phoenix and later coached me in Atlanta and was truly a wonderful man who will be greatly missed. Pav was like a brother to me and I cannot believe that he is no longer with us. This is a terrible day for the hockey fraternity. My family's thoughts and prayers are with their families during this difficult time."

Current Blues players were in shock as well. Goalie Ben Bishop never crossed paths with Demitra here but offered on his Twitter account (@Benbishop30): "My thoughts and prayers go out to all the friends & families who lost love ones in the plane crash in Russia. ... Sad day in the hockey world."

Demitra, who scored 304 goals and 768 points in the NHL, won the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy with the Blues in 2000. It's given to the player adjudged to have exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability.

(Getty Images)

Former Blue Pavol Demitra (38) was among 43 people killed in a plane

crash Wednesday, along with several members of KHL's Yaroslavl

Lokomotiv

Demitra, who represented Slovakia at the World Championships six times, the World Cup twice and the Winter Olympics three times, left the NHL to play in the KHL and prolong his career.

"As a European player, he had certain opportunities to continue playing at a high level," Mellanby said of Demitra. "He had some decent hockey left in him, so the opportunity for him to go and be a leader was something he wanted.

"He was a great guy, fun guy to be around. It was a great experience playing with him. But for me, the hockey side of it is one thing. We'll always have our memories with the guys, but the families, our thoughts are with them."

Another former teammate, Phoenix Coyotes color analyst Tyson Nash, summed up Demitra's NHL status best.

"He was a superstar," Nash said. "He was one of the best players that ever played in St. Louis, as far as talent goes and skill-wise, and you'd never know it. For a superstar, he was the must humble person I'd ever met. He didn't have an ego."

Demitra's agent Matt Keator told the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, "He was a great friend and great teammate. He was always the type to bring people together."

Demitra assisted on the game-winning goal when the Blues overcame a 5-0 third-period deficit in Toronto to post a 6-5 overtime victory on Nov. 29, 2000. Jochen Hecht scored the OT goal.

"I thought he was always one of our highest-skilled players on our team," former Blues GM Larry Pleau said. "He grew up here. I think he really matured and grew up here."

Korolev was drafted by the Blues in the second round of the 1992 NHL Entry Draft and spend two seasons (1992-94) in St. Louis and was part of the group (along with Vitali Prokhorov and Vitali Karamnov) that broke the Russian barrier here in St. Louis. Korolev was an assistant coach for Lokomotiv and celebrated his 41st birthday Tuesday.

Blues color analyst for KMOX radio Kelly Chase, who was a teammate of Demitra, Korolev and McCrimmon, said on his Twitter account (@Chasenpucks39): "My buddy Pav always took care of his tough guys and always had time for kids..I'm sick for Mia and his children ... Iggy always smiling always learning and loved North America. I will miss u modruke ... Beast McCrimmon. U epitomize farm tough and what it takes to be a professional a leader and a great human being.. God bless Maureen n kids.

Langenbrunner brings impressive pedigree to Blues

Veteran winger brings pair of Stanley Cups, wealth of experience to rising roster

By LOUIE KORAC
HAZELWOOD, Mo. -- His resume is filled with a lifetime of achievements that some of the greatest National Hockey League players would covet. He's represented his country at the Winter Olympics twice, the World Cup of Hockey and at the World Junior Championships twice, has been captain of a NHL team, been a part of a career that's been distinguished to this point, and most importantly, was a member of two Stanley Cup-winning teams.

Meet Jamie Langenbrunner, who for the first time in what will be his 17th NHL season and 1,035 games will be playing for someone other than the Dallas Stars or New Jersey Devils after signing a one-year contract over the summer with the Blues.

Langenbrunner can walk away from the NHL and not have a regret in the world. With his pedigree of achievement, he can be proud of his accomplishments. If he walked away today, there'd be no regrets.

"Anybody that's going to start in this game, you want to play that first game," said Langenbrunner, who played his first NHL game with the Stars here in St. Louis against the Blues in 1995. "... That was a long time ago, but then your goal is to hit that 100th game, then 400 for that supposed pension. Then my goal was to try to reach 1,000. I did that last year, but now, it's to play as long as I can."


(Getty Images)

Jamie Langenbrunner hopes to add to an already impressive resume with

more hardware in St. Louis.

When the fire still burns and the desire still raises the adrenaline level, there's no reason to stop. Langenbrunner still enjoys the game ... and still craves titles.

"Everybody that plays this game, you play to win championships," Langenbrunner said. "I've been fortunate for the majority of my career to play on great hockey teams that have at least had a shot at it. ... I still enjoy playing. Until that's gone, I'm going to continue to enjoy it. I like being in the locker room. I like being with the guys."

For the 6-foot-1, 205-pound Colquet Minnesota native, it all began in 1990 where Langenbrunner prospered in high school for the Cloquet Lumberjacks, racking up 148 points in 70 games over three seasons.

Little did Langenbrunner know at the time that it would be the start of something special.

"I didn't even know it was my draft year until a month left in my (junior) season," Langenbrunner said. "(Playing hockey) wasn't high on my list. I did it because I loved it. It all just happened. I got drafted, Dallas signed me and it all just kind of took off from there.

"Within two years, I went from playing high school hockey and having fun with it to playing in my first NHL game."

Langenbrunner didn't play his senior year in high school after being drafted in the second round (35th overall) by the Stars. He left Cloquet and played two seasons with the Peterborough Petes of the Ontario Hockey League.

Langenbrunner's hockey life only got better, as he tallied 75 goals, 115 assists and 190 points in 124 games and 12 goals and 20 points in 18 playoff games. He made his NHL debut for the Stars in the 1994-95 season, playing in two games. That season also was where Langenbrunner would have his first dibs with USA Hockey, playing in the World Junior Championships.

Langenbrunner moved to the International Hockey League in 1995 to play one season with the Michigan K.Wings, where he was named the team's MVP after a 25-goal, 40-assist season in 59 games and 13 points in 10 playoff games.

Langenbrunner also played in 12 games for the Stars in 1995 but didn't play in his rookie season until the 1996-97 season. That's when his NHL career took off.

As time passed, so did Langenbrunner's accomplishments. He represented Team USA in Nagano, Japan at the Winter Olympics in 1998, then won the first of his two Stanley Cups in 1999.

Langenbrunner's first bit of adversity took place in 2002 when he was dealt from the Stars to the New Jersey Devils for a package that included none other than current teammate Jason Arnott. Blues general manager Doug Armstrong was GM of the Stars who pulled the trigger on the trade, which was none too popular in the Lone Star State.

But instead of a career that would plateau out or take a downward spiral, Langenbrunner would soon sip from Lord Stanley's Cup again, winning a second one with the Devils in 2002 and then playing for USA at the 2004 World Cup of Hockey.

"You remember that first one because it was your first, but they all mean a lot," Langenbrunner said, "just because of how difficult it is to win one. You never know if you'll get the opportunity to have a shot at it again."

The offensive numbers would begin to increase playing with rising stars Zach Parise and Travis Zajac with the Devils. Langenbrunner would be named captain in 2007 before putting up career highs in goals (29), assists (40) and points (69) during the 2008-09 season.

"I (felt) good ... had my two best offensive years," Langenbrunner said. "I feel depending on what the situations are within the team, what roles you're needed for, I can put up those numbers.

"Brent Sutter was the coach and I was given the opportunity to play on a line with Zach Parise and Travis Zajac, and we gelled together pretty good. Zach had his biggest year of his career and I had a big year. We had good chemistry and we had a lot of opportunities. I got to play on the first power play. ... When you're given those opportunities, I think I was able to cash in and play well. I think that's part of being a team, whatever role you're put into, do the best you can in that role."

Langenbrunner's captaincy would carry over to Team USA, where he would once again represent his country at the Winter Olympics in Vancouver in 2010. He was part of a USA squad that took the silver medal, losing to Canada in the gold medal game that included current Blue David Backes and former Blue Erik Johnson.

(Getty Images)

Jamie Langenbrunner (left) has represented Team USA at the Winter

Olympics twice, including 2010.

Langenbrunner held his captain's 'C' with the Devils for four years before being dealt back to the Stars last season for a conditional third round pick. But the 2010-11 season was somewhat of a forgettable one. The Devils were horrendous for the first three months and Langenbrunner totalled nine goals and 32 points in 70 games split between the Stars and Devils.

"Last year was a mental beatdown, to be honest with you," Langenbrunner said. "It was a tough year. It was unfortunate to leave Jersey on those terms because I had a great time there, I enjoyed most of my years there immensely. We had success there. It's tough to leave it that way, but a fresh start's going to be great. I'm excited about that opportunity and excited to be here."

So what's left for the 36-year-old Minnesota native? What does he have left in the tank? What's left to offer for a Blues team that is seemingly on the rise?

"We think Jamie's got real good hockey left in him or else he wouldn't be here," Armstrong said. "As you mature and as you gain experience, you rely on different parts in your game. He knows why he's come in here. He's come in here to participate and to be a part of a team that's moving forward.

"He's not 27 anymore, but he's not 57 either. We expect him to come in here and be a good player. To statistically have a good season, you have to be put in certain situations."

Blues coach Davis Payne said of Langenbrunner, "We feel he's going to fit in on the third line (with Arnott and Alex Steen). We feel he's going to provide some work, some defensive responsibility. We'd like to see him contribute on the PK. He's got a great nose for the net. If there's a guy not performing and all of the sudden he takes that responsibility, that's what we're going to find out. He's got such a great understanding of the game as far as positional discipline, puck decisions.

"He's got a great deal of motivation to come in here, play his part and play it very, very well. That's the role we've discussed. That's the role he understands. How far up he pushes that will depend on a lot of things. We're open to that push."

Langenbrunner, whose last contract was in the form of a five-year, $14 million deal signed to stay in New Jersey in the summer of 2006, had interest from multiple teams this summer but chose the Blues because he sees an opportunity at achieving something. Who would know better than a two-time Cup champ?

"This is a team that I feel is on that doorstep and has the ability to take that next step into that upper group of teams," Langenbrunner said. "Hopefully with the additions made this summer, bringing in some guys with some experience, (we can) help guide the way and kind of keep the highs from being too high and the lows from being too low. I think that's key in this league, staying consistent. It's a long year and you have to keep plugging away.

"... I haven't seen this team a ton, but just from watching games when you get home at night, I thought it was a team with obviously a lot of young talent and a goaltender that's proven he can play in big games and tough situations. I think that's a big start. Hopefully, like I said, we can put the other pieces together. I'm excited."

Winning a Stanley Cup is what it's all about, and who knows more on this roster than Langenbrunner? He feels the ingredients are in place here.

"First off, that belief has to be built through playing together," Langenbrunner said. "I think on paper right now, there's going to be 30 teams thinking they can win the Stanley Cup going into camp. Some are more realistic than others, also some probably unrealistic. I think that belief builds and it starts with training camp.

"The one thing I've noticed here is that they're a really close group. They're guys that seem to really care for each other and that's a big start in the right direction. From there, you build that trust that when you're on the ice, you know that person's not going to let you down. You can go out there and do your job and the other guy do his and you become a better and better team. ... Those teams in Dallas where we were getting hundreds of points a year, you build that trust. It took a little time. You bring in certain players that fill certain roles. It's not always signing the superstar player to change your team, it's adding pieces. I think they've done a good job of putting some pretty good pieces together here and we'll continue to build."