September 10, 2025
St. Louis blues news
The St. Louis Blues have announced that former defenseman Barret Jackman will take over as the new Director of Franchise Alumni, succeeding longtime leader Bruce Affleck. Jackman will oversee the organization’s efforts to support former players while continuing its charitable work throughout the St. Louis community.
Jackman, 44, spent 14 of his 15 NHL seasons with the Blues after being drafted 17th overall in 1999. Known for his grit and toughness, he played more than 800 games in St. Louis, logging over 1,000 blocked shots and more than 1,000 penalty minutes. In 2003, he became the only Blues player to ever win the Calder Trophy as the league’s top rookie. He was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 2023.
Although never a high-scoring defenseman, Jackman was a cornerstone of the Blues’ blue line, playing alongside legends such as Chris Pronger and Al MacInnis. His physical play and leadership earned him lasting respect from teammates and fans alike.
Off the ice, Jackman co-founded Hippos, a medical marijuana dispensary launched in 2021 with Brett Hull and Kelly Chase, aimed at providing safer alternatives to addictive painkillers. He has also been active in youth sports, coaching baseball and hockey, including with the 16U AAA Blues team where his son plays.
Jackman inherits the role from Affleck, who helped launch the Blues Alumni Association in 1988. Under Affleck’s guidance, the group raised more than $800,000 for amateur hockey and over $5 million for local charities, while also organizing the “Puck Cancer” alumni games, which contributed over $1 million to cancer research.
With Jackman now at the helm, the Blues Alumni Association is expected to continue its mission of supporting former players, giving back to the community, and keeping the connection between past and present Blues strong.
About the Author
