The Legacy of Number 10: St. Louis Blues
The St. Louis Blues, a renowned franchise in the National Hockey League (NHL), have seen numerous players don the jersey number 10 throughout their history. In this article, we will delve into the legacy of Number 10 for the St. Louis Blues and highlight the contributions of some notable players who have worn this iconic number.
Wayne Babych: The Greatest to Wear Number 10
Wayne Babych, a Canadian professional hockey player, stands out as the greatest player to have ever worn the number 10 for the St. Louis Blues. Drafted in the first round, third overall, in the 1978 NHL Draft, Babych spent six impactful years with the Blues [1]. His rookie season was particularly remarkable, as he set several rookie records for goals (27), assists (36), and points (63) [3].
Despite his promising start, Babych’s career took a turn when he suffered a debilitating rotator cuff injury during a preseason fight, which significantly hampered his abilities and prevented him from reaching his full potential as a player [4]. Nevertheless, his offensive prowess, physical style of play, and tenacity on the ice made him a fan favorite.
Other Notable Players Who Wore Number 10
While Wayne Babych holds the distinction of being the greatest player associated with the number 10 jersey for the Blues, several other notable players have also made their mark while wearing this number.
Ron Schock, Dave Lowry, Esa Tikkanen, Dale Hawerchuk, Dallas Drake, Andy McDonald, Brenden Morrow, and Brayden Schenn are among the players who have left their imprint on the St. Louis Blues while wearing number 10 [6]. Each of these players brought their unique skills and contributions to the team during their respective tenures.
Conclusion
The legacy of Number 10 for the St. Louis Blues is one that is marked by exceptional players who have made significant contributions to the team. Wayne Babych, with his remarkable rookie season and overall impact, stands out as the greatest player associated with this iconic number.
While Babych’s career was affected by injury, his lasting impact on the Blues and his place in their history cannot be understated. The other notable players who have worn number 10 have also left their mark, adding to the rich legacy of this jersey number for the St. Louis Blues.
Sources
- Source: “St. Louis Blues: Who Wore It Best, Jersey Number 10” – Bleedin’ Blue
- Source: “St. Louis Blues: Best Player in Each Number 10-1” – Bleedin’ Blue
- Source: “Why Blues players wear their numbers, from No. 1 to No. 91” – The Athletic
FAQs
The Legacy of Number 10: St. Louis Blues
Who is considered the greatest player to wear the number 10 for the St. Louis Blues?
Wayne Babych is widely regarded as the greatest player to have worn the number 10 for the St. Louis Blues. He had a remarkable rookie season, setting records for goals, assists, and points 3. Despite a career-altering injury, Babych made significant contributions to the team during his tenure.
How long did Wayne Babych play for the St. Louis Blues?
Wayne Babych spent six years with the St. Louis Blues after being drafted in the first round of the 1978 NHL Draft 1.
What records did Wayne Babych set during his rookie season?
During his rookie season, Wayne Babych set records for goals (27), assists (36), and points (63) 3. These records demonstrated his exceptional skills and impact on the team.
How did a rotator cuff injury affect Wayne Babych’s career?
A rotator cuff injury, sustained during a preseason fight, had a significant impact on Wayne Babych’s career 4. It hindered his abilities and prevented him from reaching his full potential as a player.
What was Wayne Babych’s scoring average during his time with the Blues?
Wayne Babych scored 345 points in 396 games with the St. Louis Blues, averaging just under a point per game 5. This scoring average showcases his offensive prowess and contribution to the team.
Who are some other notable players who have worn number 10 for the St. Louis Blues?
Aside from Wayne Babych, other notable players who have worn number 10 for the St. Louis Blues include Ron Schock, Dave Lowry, Esa Tikkanen, Dale Hawerchuk, Dallas Drake, Andy McDonald, Brenden Morrow, and Brayden Schenn 6. Each of these players has left their mark on the team in their own way.
What happened to Wayne Babych’s number 10 jersey?
Wayne Babych’s number 10 jersey was eventually claimed by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the waiver draft, marking the end of his tenure with the St. Louis Blues 7.
What is the overall legacy of number 10 for the St. Louis Blues?
The legacy of number 10 for the St. Louis Blues is one marked by exceptional players who have made significant contributions to the team. Wayne Babych’s impact, despite his career-altering injury, remains firmly intact. The number continues to be associated with notable players who have left their mark on the franchise’s history.