Brayden Schenn, the 33-year-old forward for the St. Louis Blues, recently celebrated joining the 1,000-point club during his regular season NHL game.
On Thursday night, Feb 27th, Schenn and the Blues achieved victory against the Washington Capitals with a score of 5-2. The victory not only marked Schenn's milestone of 1,000 regular-season games but also amplified the tensions brewing as he could find himself involved with trade rumors heading to the March 7 trade deadline.
Brayden reached this significant career landmark alongside his older brother, Luke Schenn, who also played his 1,000th game earlier this season with the Nashville Predators. Their dual milestone positions them alongside notable siblings such as the Staals and the Sedins, making them the eighth set of brothers to hit this amazing landmark and the first to achieve this feat within the same season.
After the game, Brayden expressed gratitude to those which aided him throughout his career. He remarked, "I've always said you don't get there without the help of tons of people, family being one, coaches and players and teammates… pretty special to… get to do it this year with my best buddy who is pushing each other every day".
Luke's own achievement came on Oct. 17, after which Brayden said he felt immense pride at the family's accomplishment citing their hard work and dedication. Preceding the game on Thursday, the Blues' team rallied around Schenn by wearing shirts and hats emblazoned with his number 10. His father Jeff gave not only speeches to bring spirit but expressed his emotions proudly recounting the effort invested by both sons. Jeff Schenn acknowledged, "You see the hard work and the dedication... so excited and happy to be here and awful proud of him." Coach Jim Montgomery similarly commended the Schenn family during his pregame talk with players, expressing the immense contribution the family as raised created for the boys' success.
Jeff Schenn's comments were lauded by players like Dylan Holloway, who scored twice contributing to the victory. Holloway reflected how deeply they wanted the win for Schenn stating fervently, "the Blues wanted this one bad simply because it's Schenn's 1,000th game." The Capitals were also supportive, recognizing the milestone through arena announcements and videoboards congratulating Schenn on this remarkable career achievement.
Brayden's milestones arrive at heightened trade talks with the March 7 deadline fast approaching. He alluded to the unpredictability of trades saying, "The times I've gotten traded, I didn't expect it… you really never know. It's business and it just... 5 points out of playoffs talk. I just take it one day at a time." With three more years left on his contract and Luke remaining through another after this, discussions could revolve around added speculation of brotherly reunions.
The 2019 Stanley Cup champion with the Blues, who savored their win, reflects upon the Schenns - two brothers succeeding as professional athletes and champions. Brayden’s resilience and effort showcase his abilities as he strived through tough moments supporting his brother through solidarity.
Both provide motivating glimpses of brotherhood during fierce competition, proving yet again how dedication during sports births prosperous achievements.