Paul Stastny’s hockey journey is a tale of talent, perseverance, and legacy, deeply rooted in a family steeped in the sport. Born on December 27, 1985, in Quebec City, Canada, Paul grew up in a hockey-centric household as the son of NHL Hall of Famer Peter Stastny. Raised in St. Louis, Missouri, after his fathers NHL career took the family there, Paul was immersed in the game from an early age, skating and playing alongside his brother Yan and learning the nuances of hockey from his Father.

Paul began his hockey journey when the family settled in St. Louis at the start of his third grade year. Paul’s early years were marked by a natural aptitude and genuine love for the game of hockey. His earliest memories of hockey begin with the Creve Couer Comets where he played squirt and pee-wee hockey. He would then move up and play for the St. Louis AAA blues.

When he was a second year peewee, he would have the honor of representing the St. Louis Blues at the prestigious Pee-Wee Quebec tournament. After the AAA Blues, Paul would go on and play one season for the St. Louis Jr B Blues. During his time with the AAA and Jr B Blues, Paul was also attending Chaminade College Preparatory High School. To take advantage of additional ice time, he would end up playing for both his club team and his high school team. After a successful season of maturing and growing on and off the ice, he would follow in the footsteps of his brother Yan, and join the River City (Omaha) Lancers of the USHL. He spent two seasons as a Lancer before committing to the University of Denver. His freshman year as a Denver Pioneer proved to be a successful one as the team went on to win the National Championships title. After completing his sophomore year with Denver, Paul was offered a contract with the Colorado Avalanche and chose to leave school early to join his new team just down the street. 

Selected 44th overall, and in the second round of the 2005 NHL Entry Draft by the Colorado Avalanche, Paul joined the franchise his father and uncles once represented formerly known as the Québec Nordiques. In 2006, Stastny’s professional journey began with the same franchise where his father had once starred. He would make an immediate impact and end his rookie season as a Calder nominee. Paul went on to play eight seasons with the Colorado Avalanche.

Stastnys ability to perform in clutch moments and his leadership on the ice earned him the respect of teammates and opponents alike.

In 2014, as a first time free agent (UFA), Paul signed with the St. Louis Blues, returning to his hometown and his favorite childhood team. He spent just shy of four seasons in St. Louis, followed by two and a half seasons with the Winnipeg Jets, two seasons with the Vegas Golden Knights, and playing out his final chapter for the Carolina Hurricanes.

Internationally, Paul represented the United States of America. He was fortunate and blessed to represent the flag at the 2007, 2012, and 2013 IIHF World Championships. He would also have the honor of wearing the Red, White and Blue as a 2010 Olympian in Vancouver and the 2014 Olympics in Sochi.

Staying true to his understated character, he quietly stepped away from the sport with the same humility that marked his entrance and his tenure as a respected leader and versatile two way center. His career was defined by his thoughtful playmaking, consistency and hockey IQ. From a rookie point streak to a reliable two-way veteran, he honored the legacy of his family while forging his own path. Stastny’s impact was both quiet and profound the mark of a consummate professional.