Alexander Steen Retires

St. Louis Blues left wing Alexander Steen has announced his retirement from the NHL. Steen, 36, had a back injury during the 2019-2020 season, which has caused him to retire. Steen played 15 seasons in the NHL. Steen was drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2002 NHL Draft, in the first-round (24th overall). Steen played 4 seasons for the Maple Leafs, before being traded to the Blues, along with defenseman Carlo Colaiacovo for right wing Lee Stempniak on November 24, 2008. 

After being acquired by the Blues, Steen's career took off. Steen became the player scouts thought he'd be. In 2013-2014, Steen had a career high 33 goals with 29 assists, 62 points, and a plus 17. The following season, Steen had 24 goals, 40 assists, 64 points, and a plus 8. The assists, and points were career highs for Steen. 

In Blues franchise history, Steen ranks 4th in games played with (765), 9th in goals with (195), 6th in assists with (301), and 5th in points with (496). Steen played in 91 playoff games for the Blues with 15 goals, 21 assists, 36 points, and -8. The only two players in franchise history who have played more playoff games than Steen are right wing Brett Hull and defenseman Alex Pietrangelo. Steen helped the Blues win their first ever Stanley Cup in 2019, when the beat the Boston Bruins in 7 games. 

Overall, Steen played 1,018 games with 245 goals, 377 assists, 622 points, and a plus 42. 

Steen's presence in the locker-room will be missed. Steen was a great leader on and off the ice for the Blues. Steen was also a fan favorite. With Steen retiring, the Blues now have some cap space. The Blues had been rumored awhile back to be interested in free agent left wing Mike Hoffman. Do the Blues decide to sign Mike Hoffman? Hoffman would be a great addition for the Blues, if they were to sign him. It would need to make sense for both sides though.