ST. LOUIS—The St. Louis Blues named Brayden Schenn its new captain, the 24th player to earn that title during the team’s 56-year history. 

The Blues have been without a captain since Ryan O’Reilly was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs last season. 

Schenn, who is entering his seventh season with the Blues, joins legends like the Plager brothers, Bernie Ferderko, Wayne Gretzky and Brett Hull as captain.

“To be in history with the St. Louis Blues, of being a captain with those guys, it is pretty special and a tremendous honor and I am excited for the opportunity,” said Schenn.

General Manager Doug Armstrong says he talked with Blues head coach Craig Berube, former players among others while making the decision on who should become the next captain. 

“Brayden does everything the right way on and off the ice,” said Berube. 

The coach went on to say Schenn has great character, toughness, and leads by example. 

After a season that had a complacent start and included several players with expiring deals, Schenn said he and his teammates are focused on the future,  hungry and ready to go for the upcoming season.

“If you look at our lockerroom, we have guys that come here early and skate together early, get together, there is a good energy and a vibe, and the guys are showing that, that they weren’t happy with last year,” he said. 

Scheen said he learned a lot from the team’s past captains and players, including Alex Steen.

“What I really learned from him was how much he cared about his teammates, how much he had a pulse on the dressing room,” said Scheen. 

Robert Thomas, Justin Faulk and Colton Parayko will serve as assistant captains