Blues sign Tkachuk, Kariya, Jackman
July 2, 2007 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Peoria Rivermen News Release
St. Louis, MO - St. Louis Blues President John Davidson announced that the team has signed center Keith Tkachuk, left wing Paul Kariya, and defenseman Barret Jackman.
"We are excited to be able to bring a player of Keith's caliber back to the St. Louis Blues," said Davidson. "Keith played great hockey under Head Coach Andy Murray last season and we are thrilled to have him wearing the Bluenote again."
The Blues traded Tkachuk to the Atlanta Thrashers in exchange for a first round draft choice in 2007, a third round draft choice in 2007, a second round draft choice in 2008 and forward Glen Metropolit on Feb. 25, 2007.
Tkachuk, 35, had 43 points (20 goals, 23 assists) in 61 games with the Blues at the time of the trade. He ranked second on the club in goals and points, while leading the club with eight power-play goals and 92 penalty minutes before being sent to the Thrashers. He finished last season with 58 points (27 goals, 31 assists) and reached the 50-point plateau for the 12th time in 15 seasons.
The 6-2, 225-pound center has twice been named to the NHL Second All-Star Team (1995 and 1998) and played in the NHL All-Star Game four times (1997, 1998, 1999 and 2004). Tkachuk is 27 goals shy of reaching the 500 goal mark and needs 24 games to reach 1,000. He has amassed 926 career points (473 goals, 453 assists) and 2,033 penalty minutes in 976 NHL games with Winnipeg, Phoenix, St. Louis and Atlanta.
The Medford, Massachusetts native has represented the United States in six different international competitions, including the 1992, 1998, 2002 and 2006 Winter Olympic Games, winning a silver medal in 2002. He also played in the 1996 and 2004 World Cup of Hockey, helping the United States win the championship in 1996.
Tkachuk was originally selected by the Winnipeg Jets in the first round, 19th overall, in the 1990 NHL Entry Draft.
Kariya, 32, spent his first nine seasons playing for the Anaheim Ducks, helping the Ducks reach the Stanley Cup Finals in 2003. Following the 2003 season, he played a season with the Colorado Avalanche before playing the last two seasons for the Nashville Predators.
The 5-10, 176-pound left wing is a seven-time NHL All-Star (1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003) and has recorded over 100 points in a season twice, and has scored 30-or-more goals seven times in his career. He has represented Team Canada at two Olympic Winter Games, winning a gold medal in 2002 and a silver medal in 1994. He was named to the NHL First All-Star Teams in 1996, 1997 and 1999, while being named to the second teams in 2000 and 2003. Kariya is a two-time Lady Byng Trophy winner (1996, 1997) given to the NHL player who has exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability. He also won the Hobey Baker Memorial Award in 1993 while with the University of Maine as the best collegiate hockey player.
"We are excited to announce we have signed a world class hockey player as well as a first class person," said Davidson. "Paul gives us instant scoring up front as well as bringing an entertaining brand of hockey to the St. Louis Blues."
The Vancouver, British Columbia native has amassed 866 career NHL points (366 goals, 500 assists) in 821 games. Kariya was originally Anaheim's first choice, fourth overall, in the 1993 NHL Entry Draft.
Jackman, 26, skated in 70 games with the Blues last season, collecting career highs in points (27) and assists (24). He ranked first on the team with a plus-20 rating and 98 hits. Jackman also ranked third on the team with 133 blocked shots and an average of 21:29 minutes of ice time per game. The Fruitvale, British Columbia native helped Team Canada capture the gold medal at the 2007 World Championship in Russia.
"Barret has been solid on the blueline for the Blues since breaking in with the club in his first full season in 2002-03," said Davidson. "He's an excellent assistant captain and we look for him to play a vital role in helping lead our team next season."
Jackman has played in a total of 231 career NHL games all with St. Louis, registering 59 points (11 goals, 48 assists) along with 469 penalty minutes. He became the first Blue in franchise history to capture the Calder Memorial Trophy as the league's most outstanding rookie in 2002-03.
Jackman was originally drafted by the Blues as their first round selection, 17th overall in the 1999 Entry Draft. He appeared in one game with the Rivermen last season on November 4 against the Chicago Wolves.
Rivermen season tickets are now on sale by calling the team office at (309) 676-1040, with seats starting at just $400 for all 40 games! Don't forget to check out the team's new 1,500 square-foot merchandise shop located in the renovated Peoria Civic Center next to the team offices at 201 SW Jefferson Street in downtown Peoria.
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American Hockey League Stories from July 2, 2007
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- Sharks Re-Sign Traverse To Two-Year Contract - Worcester Sharks
- Former Admirals Captain Craig MacDonald Signs With Tampa Bay - Norfolk Admirals
- Blues sign Tkachuk, Kariya, Jackman - Peoria Rivermen
- Lightning Sign Right Wing Michel Ouellet - Norfolk Admirals
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