Larry Pleau's journey in the world of hockey began as a player before transitioning into various influential roles off the ice. Born on January 29, 1947, in Lynn, Massachusetts, Pleau's early years in hockey saw him develop his skills in the junior leagues, eventually leading to a professional career. He played as a center and was known for his strategic play and leadership qualities.
Pleau's professional playing career took off when he joined the Montreal Canadiens organization. Although he spent much of his time with their minor league affiliates, he was part of the Canadiens' roster during their Stanley Cup-winning season in 1968-69. However, his playing time in the NHL was limited, and he sought more opportunities to showcase his abilities.
In 1972, Pleau joined the New England Whalers of the World Hockey Association (WHA), where he found more consistent playing time. His tenure with the Whalers was marked by his role as a steady and reliable center, contributing to the team's success during the early years of the WHA. Pleau played with the Whalers until 1979, when the WHA merged with the NHL, and the team became known as the Hartford Whalers.
After retiring as a player, Pleau transitioned into coaching and management. He began his coaching career with the Hartford Whalers, serving as an assistant coach before being promoted to head coach for the 1980-81 season. Although his time as head coach was brief, Pleau's understanding of the game and leadership abilities were evident.
Pleau's career took a significant turn when he moved into management roles. He joined the New York Rangers as an assistant general manager, where he worked under the guidance of experienced executives and honed his skills in team building and player evaluation. His tenure with the Rangers was a stepping stone that prepared him for future leadership roles.
In 1997, Pleau was appointed as the general manager of the St. Louis Blues, a position he held for over a decade. During his time with the Blues, Pleau was instrumental in assembling competitive teams that consistently made playoff appearances. He was known for his strategic trades and draft selections, which helped shape the team's roster and maintain its competitiveness in the NHL.
Pleau's tenure with the Blues also included a role as the team's senior vice president, where he continued to influence the organization's direction and development. His leadership and experience were valuable assets to the Blues, contributing to the team's stability and success during his time there.
In 2010, Pleau stepped down as general manager of the Blues, transitioning to a senior advisor role.
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