Marco Scandella Calls It a Career After 14 NHL Seasons
St. Louis, MO — St. Louis Blues veteran defenseman Marco Scandella has officially announced his retirement from professional hockey, ending a 14-year career defined by resilience, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to the game.
Drafted in 2008 by the Minnesota Wild, Scandella went on to play more than 700 NHL games across four organizations: Minnesota, Buffalo, Montreal, and St. Louis. But it was with the Blues that he found a late-career home, providing experience and steadiness on the blue line from 2020 until his final season in 2024.
Known for his gritty defensive play, shot-blocking ability, and presence on the penalty kill, Scandella wasn’t the type to fill highlight reels. Instead, he built his reputation on reliability — the kind of defender coaches could trust in difficult minutes and teammates could lean on in the locker room.
“Marco brought toughness, professionalism, and heart to our group,” Blues head coach Jim Montgomery said in a statement. “He played the game the right way, and he set a strong example for the younger guys. His impact went far beyond what showed up on the stat sheet.”
Scandella’s Blues tenure included mentoring the team’s emerging defensemen and helping stabilize the back end during transitional seasons. Despite battling injuries in recent years, he remained a respected voice and a cornerstone of the team’s culture.
At 34, Scandella steps away from the ice with pride in his career — one that spanned over a decade and earned him recognition as a consummate professional. While he has yet to announce his next chapter, speculation suggests roles in coaching or player development could be on the horizon.
For Blues fans, Scandella leaves behind more than games played: he leaves a legacy of resilience, loyalty, and quiet leadership that shaped St. Louis hockey during his stay.
About the Author
