Barret Jackman has been first in line many times during a career that has spanned 13 seasons in St. Louis.
First at the rink in the morning, first in practice drills and first to step in and stick up for a teammate.
Last Sunday, the Blues defenseman added another, but it was one that he wished could have waited a few more weeks.
Seconds after the club’s Game 6 loss to Minnesota, closing the curtain on the Blues’ 2014-15 season following a first-round loss, Jackman was first in line for the traditional congratulatory handshake with the Wild.