This guide answers the question "st louis blues retired jerseys" in plain terms. The St. Louis Blues retired jerseys represent the highest honor a player can receive from the franchise. Since the team's founding in 1967, only a select group of players have seen their numbers raised to the rafters of Enterprise Center. According to the St.
Louis Blues official team records, the franchise has retired eight jersey numbers honoring nine players through the 2024-25 season. That exclusivity is precisely what makes these ceremonies so meaningful to fans.
The challenge for many fans is understanding the history behind each number, knowing which players are honored, and distinguishing between jersey retirements and other tributes like the Hockey Hall of Fame or team Hall of Fame inductions. This guide covers the complete list, the stories behind each honoree, and practical ways to see these banners in person.
The Complete List of Retired Numbers
The St. Louis Blues have retired specific jersey numbers to honor franchise legends. Understanding who earned this distinction and why helps you appreciate the team's history more deeply. The st louis blues retired jerseys collection reflects decades of excellence and dedication.
Jersey Numbers Currently Retired
The Blues have retired the following numbers, according to the team's official records:
- #2 — Al MacInnis (retired April 9, 2006)
- #3 — Bob Gassoff (retired October 1, 1977)
- #8 — Barclay Plager (retired March 24, 1981)
- #11 — Brian Sutter (retired December 30, 1988)
- #16 — Brett Hull (retired December 6, 2006)
- #24 — Bernie Federko (retired March 16, 1991)
- #44 — Chris Pronger (retired January 17, 2022)
The #5 jersey is also honored for Bobby Plager, though it remains in circulation. The team retired the number in spirit after Plager's death in 2021 but has not formally removed it from use. Fans studying the st louis blues retired jerseys often note this unique distinction.
How to apply this: Bookmark the Blues' official team history page to verify current retired numbers before attending a game or purchasing memorabilia, as ceremonies occasionally add new honorees.
The Stories Behind the St. Louis Blues Retired Jerseys
Each retired number carries a distinct narrative. The St. Louis Blues retired jerseys tell the story of the franchise's evolution from expansion team to Stanley Cup champion. Every banner in the rafters represents a chapter in Blues history, and the st louis blues retired jerseys program celebrates these defining moments.
Bob Gassoff: The First Honoree
Bob Gassoff's #3 was the first number retired by the franchise. Gassoff died in a motorcycle accident in 1977 at age 24, cutting short a promising career as a physical defenseman. The team retired his number just months after his death, making him the youngest player in NHL history to receive this honor at the time.
His legacy reminds fans that jersey retirement is not always about statistics. Gassoff played only four seasons but embodied the toughness and dedication the franchise wanted to celebrate. The st louis blues retired jerseys honor his memory as much as his playing career.
Bernie Federko: The Playmaker
Bernie Federko's #24 hangs in the rafters because of his extraordinary playmaking ability. Federko recorded 50 or more assists in 10 consecutive seasons from 1978-79 through 1987-88, according to NHL historical data. He remains the Blues' all-time leader in assists and points. Among the st louis blues retired jerseys, Federko's #24 represents pure offensive creativity.
Brett Hull: The Goal Scorer
Brett Hull's #16 retirement in 2006 recognized the most prolific goal scorer in franchise history. Hull scored 86 goals in the 1990-91 season, the third-highest single-season total in NHL history. His 527 goals with the Blues remain a franchise record. The st louis blues retired jerseys would be incomplete without Hull's legendary #16.
How to apply this: When watching a game at Enterprise Center, look for the retired number banners hanging from the rafters. Each banner includes the player's name and years of service, giving you a quick visual history lesson.
How Jersey Retirement Differs From Other Honors
Many fans confuse the St. Louis Blues retired jerseys with other forms of recognition. Understanding the distinction helps you avoid common misconceptions. The st louis blues retired jerseys program follows specific criteria that set it apart from other honors.
Jersey Retirement vs. Hall of Fame
Jersey retirement is a team-specific honor. The Hockey Hall of Fame recognizes careers across all teams. A player like Wayne Gretzky had his #99 retired league-wide by the NHL, but that is an exception. Most retirements apply only to the specific franchise.
The Blues have several Hall of Famers whose numbers are not retired by the team, including Doug Gilmour and Joe Mullen. Conversely, Bob Gassoff is not in the Hockey Hall of Fame but has his number retired by the Blues. This distinction helps clarify what the st louis blues retired jerseys actually represent.
The #5 Jersey Situation
Bobby Plager's #5 presents a unique case. The team announced in 2021 that the number would be honored with a banner but not formally retired. Current players may still wear #5. This distinction matters when you see merchandise or player rosters. When discussing the st louis blues retired jerseys, fans often ask about this special arrangement.
How to apply this: Check the Blues' official website or contact the team's media relations department if you need to verify whether a specific number is formally retired or merely honored.
Visiting Enterprise Center to See the Banners
Seeing the St. Louis Blues retired jerseys in person is a bucket-list experience for many fans. Enterprise Center displays the retired number banners prominently in the arena rafters. The st louis blues retired jerseys banners create an atmosphere of tradition and excellence.
Best Seating Areas for Viewing
The banners hang from the ceiling at Enterprise Center. For the best views, consider seats in the upper bowl along the sides of the arena. The 300-level sections offer direct sightlines to the rafters without obstruction. From these vantage points, the st louis blues retired jerseys are clearly visible throughout the game.
Game Day Tips
Arrive early to explore the arena before puck drop. The Blues have historical displays throughout the concourse that complement the retired jersey banners. The team store also sells replica banners and retired player merchandise. Taking time to view the st louis blues retired jerseys up close enhances any game day experience.
According to the Enterprise Center's official venue information, doors typically open 90 minutes before game time for regular-season games. This gives you time to locate the banners and take photos before the crowd fills in.
How to apply this: Purchase tickets through the Blues' official ticketing platform or a verified reseller. Check the arena's bag policy before attending, as Enterprise Center enforces size restrictions.
Collecting Retired Player Memorabilia
The St. Louis Blues retired jerseys have created a robust memorabilia market. Authentic jerseys of retired players remain popular among collectors. The st louis blues retired jerseys program has boosted demand for vintage and replica items alike.
What to Buy
Authentic Adidas or Reebok jerseys featuring retired numbers like #16 (Hull) or #2 (MacInnis) hold value well. The team store at Enterprise Center sells current replicas, while vintage jerseys require sourcing from reputable dealers. Collectors seeking st louis blues retired jerseys memorabilia should focus on authenticated pieces.
Authentication Matters
The sports memorabilia market has significant counterfeit risk. According to industry experts, authentication services like PSA/DNA and JSA examine signatures and jersey characteristics to verify authenticity. For game-worn jerseys, look for NHL and team-issued authentication tags. When investing in st louis blues retired jerseys collectibles, authentication is essential.
How to apply this: Before purchasing a signed retired player jersey, verify the authentication certificate comes from a recognized service. Check the Blues' official team store or NHL Shop for licensed merchandise.
Frequently Asked Questions About st louis blues retired jerseys
Why did the Blues retire Bob Gassoff's number so quickly?
The Blues retired Bob Gassoff's #3 in 1977 just months after his fatal motorcycle accident. The team acted unusually fast because Gassoff's death shocked the organization and fanbase. The St. Louis Blues retired jerseys policy at the time had no waiting period requirement.
A similar situation occurred with other NHL teams when players died during their careers, though most teams now wait several years before formal retirement ceremonies. The st louis blues retired jerseys program has evolved significantly since Gassoff's era.
Can current Blues players wear retired numbers?
No, current players cannot wear formally retired numbers. The St. Louis Blues retired jerseys are permanently removed from circulation. However, players who wore a number before it was retired can continue wearing it until they leave the team.
For example, if a player wore #44 before Chris Pronger's retirement ceremony in 2022, they would have been allowed to finish their tenure with that number. Understanding the st louis blues retired jerseys rules helps fans avoid confusion.
Has any Blues retired number been un-retired?
The Blues have never un-retired a number. Unlike some franchises that have reversed retirement decisions, the St. Louis Blues retired jerseys remain permanently honored. The closest exception is Bobby Plager's #5, which received a banner but was never formally retired. That number remains available to current players, which creates occasional confusion among fans.
The st louis blues retired jerseys tradition remains strong and consistent.
Do retired players receive ongoing income from jersey sales?
Retired players generally do not receive direct royalties from jersey sales featuring their retired numbers. The St. Louis Blues retired jerseys generate revenue for the team and the NHL's licensing program. Players may benefit indirectly through appearance fees, autograph signings, and their own merchandise lines.
The NHL's collective bargaining agreement governs player likeness rights, but retired players fall outside most active player compensation structures. The st louis blues retired jerseys market operates under standard league licensing rules.
How does the Blues' retired jersey count compare to other NHL teams?
The Blues have retired eight numbers, placing them in the middle range among NHL franchises. Original Six teams like the Montreal Canadiens have retired significantly more numbers due to longer histories. The St. Louis Blues retired jerseys count is comparable to other 1967 expansion teams.
The Philadelphia Flyers, another 1967 expansion franchise, have retired six numbers, while the Pittsburgh Penguins have retired three. The st louis blues retired jerseys total reflects the franchise's rich history.
Conclusion
The St. Louis Blues retired jerseys honor the players who defined the franchise across generations. Understanding these tributes deepens your connection to the team and its history. The st louis blues retired jerseys represent more than numbers—they symbolize excellence, dedication, and unforgettable moments.
- Eight numbers hang in the Enterprise Center rafters, honoring nine players including Brett Hull, Bernie Federko, and Al MacInnis
- Bob Gassoff's #3 was the first retirement, driven by tragedy rather than statistics
- Bobby Plager's #5 holds a unique status as honored but not formally retired
- Visiting Enterprise Center gives you the chance to see these banners in person
Your next step is to plan a visit to Enterprise Center for a game. Arrive early, find the banners, and take a moment to appreciate the history hanging above the ice. If you cannot attend in person, explore the Blues' official website for historical content about each retired player and the st louis blues retired jerseys legacy.
