Peter Stastny

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Of Slovak lineage, Stastny is the son of Peter Šťastný, a Hockey Hall of Famer who played for the Quebec Nordiques and St. Louis Blues. His older brother Yan has played for the Boston Bruins, Edmonton Oilers and St. Louis Blues. His uncles Anton and Marián Šťastný both played in the NHL during the 1980s, also for the Nordiques.

In Their Own Story

The Šťastný brothers' defection reshaped the NHL landscape. In 1980, Peter and Anton crossed into Austria, leaving Czechoslovakia behind to play for the Nordiques. A year later, Marián arrived after the brothers raised the necessary funds. From 1981 to 1985, they played together in Quebec, a rare feat matched only by the Bentleys and Plagers. Peter's skill set the standard for European players in North America, culminating in his status as the first European-trained player to hit 1,000 points. His legacy continued through his son Paul, who was born in Quebec City while Peter played for the Nordiques. The family connection runs deep: Peter's number 26 is retired by the Avalanche, and he currently ranks fourth all-time in total scoring with his son.

Reader's Guide

Stastny began his junior hockey career with the River City Lancers of the United States Hockey League before moving to the Pioneers at the University of Denver in 2004. After winning the NCAA Men's Ice Hockey Championship in his first season, he remained at the university for one more season. He signed with the Avalanche before the 2006–07 NHL season, scored 78 points in 82 games in his rookie season, and was nominated for the Calder Memorial Trophy. In the 2007–08 season, he was named to his first NHL All-Star Game but did not play because of an appendectomy. As a dual citizen, Stastny has chosen to represent the U.S. in international hockey competitions, including the 2004 Viking Cup, the 2007 IIHF World Championship, and the 2010 and 2014 Winter Olympics.

Did You Know?

• Stastny was born in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada, to Peter Šťastný and his wife Darina while Peter was playing for the Quebec Nordiques.
• He played high school hockey for Chaminade College Preparatory School in St. Louis, Missouri, and later graduated from Millard North High School in Omaha, Nebraska.
• Stastny's 20-game scoring streak as a rookie broke the NHL rookie record of 17 games held by Teemu Selänne.
• He made a $1,000 donation to the Canadian truckers' 'Freedom Convoy' in 2022, which was seized by the Canadian government.