NHL players mourn passing of Blues legend Plager on social media

NHL players took to social media to express their condolences after the death of longtime St. Louis Blues forward Bob Plager on Wednesday.

Plager
died at the age of 78
in a car accident. He was an original member of the Blues and had been an ambassador for the team. He played 616 games for St. Louis, including four seasons alongside brothers Bill and Barclay, and his No. 5 was retired by the team in 2017.
Blues players David Perron and Vladimir Tarasenko shared their thoughts on Plager's passing.
"It is with a heavy heart that I learned the passing of one of my favourite hockey people I ever encountered!," Perron said in his post. "From the moment I was 19, Bobby Plager has welcomed me to the Blues(and still came to say hi when I was on another team).
"His pride of the city of St Louis and the Blue Note is what I have learned the most from him! He is one of the greatest out there always happy to joke around and make you feel good! Thanks for everything, you got your parade and now you are finally going to see Barclay again."

Dallas Stars goalie and St. Louis native Ben Bishop posted about Plager's kind and funny nature.

The Calgary Flames forward Matthew Tkachuk, who grew up in St. Louis, shared a heartfelt message.

Anaheim Ducks defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk, who played seven seasons for St. Louis, shared a

after his game Wednesday.
"I'm completely crushed to hear about the passing of Bobby Plager," Shattenkirk said. "Any Blues player to ever wear the jersey knows how special he was. His devotion to the organization and city of St. Louis was unparalleled. My heart goes out to his family who he loves more than anything. I know he is probably holding court in heaven swapping one liners with Barc. Rest In Peace Bobby."
Another former Blues player, longtime captain David Backes, posted memories of Plager on Twitter.
"Bobby Plager loved St Louis and St Louis loved Bobby Plager," Backes said. "An original and one of a kind that will never be replaced. He set the tone for the organization on what it meant to be a Blue and made everyone understand what an honor it was to wear that jersey and represent that town.
"He was one of the best story tellers and was a walking Blues history lesson. He is already sorely missed and has left a vacancy that cannot be filled. Cheers Bobby, Rest Easy."