ST. LOUIS -- The Blues have confirmed earlier reports that Martin Brodeur will stay with the team, but not as a goaltender.
The 42-year-old will join the team in a management role in hockey operations after he officially announces his retirement Thursday morning at a 10:30 a.m. press conference at Scottrade Center. General manager Doug Armstrong will also be in attendance along with Blues Hall of Famers Bernie Federko, Brett Hull and Al MacInnis, according to the team's press release.
That would end a brief stint in St. Louis that saw Brodeur win three of the seven games he appeared in for the Blues, including his 125th career shutout against Colorado. Brodeur posted a 2.87 goals-against average and an .899 save percentage while raising his NHL-best win total to 691.
Since Brodeur came on in an emergency role following a knee injury to Brian Elliott, coach Ken Hitchcock has offered plenty of praise for the future Hall of Famer, who also got plenty of love from Blues fans. But after sitting out five games with Elliott back healthy and Jake Allen firmly planted as the backup, Brodeur took a leave of absence Jan. 14.
"We felt as an organization, he came in and helped us at a real delicate, critical time," Hitchcock said. "We owe him that, so we said, 'Sure, take your time, it’s a big decision, whatever you want to do, you go ahead and do it.'"
Brodeur played his first 21 seasons with New Jersey, where he won three Stanley Cup titles and four Vezina Trophies as the league’s top goaltender. Brodeur's experience should continue to provide valuable insight for the Blues and their two talented goalies as they fight for a title in the NHL's Central Division.
Elliott said he was surprised and a little sad to hear the news after watching Brodeur play for so long as the face of the Devils franchise. Elliott's admiration only grew when he got a chance to be teammates with perhaps the best goaltender ever.
"He's the type of guy that will make a big save in practice and chirp the guys, laughs and has fun out there," Elliott said. "That's how you survive in the game for so long."
All the records and success combined with Brodeur's personality earned immense respect from his teammates and coaches, who would often invite him to staff meetings. Even before Tuesday's announcement, it was no stretch for his now-former teammates to see how he could bring value to the organization in a front-office role.
"His hockey knowledge and being around the game for 20-some years is off the charts," forward David Backes said.
Said forward Alexander Steen: "All the experience and all that stuff is so valuable to have in an organization. That stuff spreads. It doesn't just stay up in the offices. It spreads throughout the organization and the players."
You can follow Luke Thompson on Twitter at @FS_LukeT or email him at lukegthompson87@gmail.com.
