Report: Blues to name O'Reilly 23rd captain in club history

The St. Louis Blues will name forward Ryan O'Reilly the 23rd captain in franchise history, sources told The Athletic's Jeremy Rutherford.

An announcement is reportedly expected to be made this coming week.

Defenseman Alex Pietrangelo, who signed with the Vegas Golden Knights this offseason, last wore the "C" for the Blues.

"He is a good choice," Pietrangelo told Rutherford via text message. "One of the hardest working guys I know. Leads by example every day. Has succeeded in this league for a long time, and for good reason. I was happy to have him by my side for a few years. Great person, teammate, and player!

"He will make a great captain. Good luck to him, no doubt he is the right choice."

The 11-year veteran is as decorated as they come. O'Reilly has already won a Stanley Cup, Conn Smythe Trophy, Selke Trophy, and Lady Byng Trophy. The 29-year-old tallied 61 points in 71 games last season and is considered one of the league's premier two-way centers.

O'Reilly was acquired in a franchise-altering trade with the Buffalo Sabres in July 2018 in exchange for Patrik Berglund, Vladimir Sobotka, Tage Thompson, a 2019 first-round pick (Ryan Johnson), and a 2021 second-rounder.