Barret Jackman rejoins Blues organization as development coach

The Blues front office are focused on hiring former players for coaching positions this off-season. After signing on Darryl Sydor and Steve Ott as assistant coaches, they’ve announced another former Blue as a member of their coaching staff: Barret Jackman is coming back as player development coach.

It’s smart to hire former players with deep familiarity wit the organization, and there probably isn’t a former Blue who knows the team better than Jackman. Jackman was drafted in the first round by the team in 1999, won the Calder Trophy in 2003, and played 12 seasons and 803 games with the Blues.

Sir Jax, for his part, is happy to be a member of the Blues coaching staff, telling Chris Pinkert:

"I'm very excited," Jackman said. "I always wanted to do something in the game when I was done, but now I get to be with the Blues and work with some exciting young players and young men. I always took pride in being professional and I look forward to watching these kids grow and to help them mature as people as well as players.

"It's a pretty good gig to get back into hockey after a retirement year and I'm pretty thrilled about the opportunity the Blues have given me."

Jackman will be at the NHL Draft this summer, and he will also be at the new guys’ player development camp.