Barret Jackman, a Canadian defenseman, spent the majority of his National Hockey League (NHL) career with the St. Louis Blues. Born on March 5, 1981, in Trail, British Columbia, Jackman grew up playing hockey in his hometown before moving on to play junior hockey with the Regina Pats of the Western Hockey League (WHL). His performance in the WHL caught the attention of NHL scouts, and he was selected 17th overall by the St. Louis Blues in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft.
Jackman made his NHL debut during the 2001-2002 season, appearing in one game for the Blues. The following season, he became a regular on the Blues' roster. Known for his physical style of play and defensive reliability, Jackman quickly established himself as a dependable presence on the blue line. His rookie season in 2002-2003 was particularly impressive, as he played in 82 games, recording 19 points and a plus-minus rating of +23. His performance earned him the Calder Memorial Trophy, awarded to the league's top rookie.
Throughout his career with the Blues, Jackman was known for his leadership qualities and was often relied upon in critical defensive situations. He played a total of 803 regular-season games for St. Louis, scoring 28 goals and adding 153 assists for a total of 181 points. Jackman also appeared in 29 playoff games with the Blues, contributing to the team's efforts in the postseason.
In addition to his NHL career, Jackman represented Canada on the international stage. He played for Team Canada at the 2007 IIHF World Championship, where he helped the team secure a gold medal. His international experience further highlighted his defensive skills and ability to perform under pressure.
After spending 13 seasons with the Blues, Jackman signed a one-year contract with the Nashville Predators in 2015. He played 73 games for the Predators during the 2015-2016 season, providing veteran leadership and defensive depth to the team. Following the conclusion of the season, Jackman announced his retirement from professional hockey on October 4, 2016.
Jackman's career was characterized by his steady defensive play, physicality, and leadership both on and off the ice.
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