Jon Hamm talks playoffs, Blues fandom with NHL.com

Jon Hamm reuinited with his old friend Lord Stanley in New York City, which brought back fond memories of when his beloved St. Louis Blues won in 2019.

Despite the Blues missing this year's Stanley Cup Playoffs, Hamm still has plently of people to root for. We caught up with the Emmy award winning actor to talk playoffs, favorite hockey memories and more before he presented NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman with the Sports Business Journal Lifetime Achievement Award on Wednesday.

Last night Ivan Barbashev scored, and any time you speak his name he seems to score. Did you have anything to do with that goal?

"I texted him. I like to think I did [have something to do with the goal]. I texted him, 'keep it up buddy.' I'm a big fan of his… just the way he plays the game and I love how he plays. He's the nicest guy. I'm rooting for him and of course, 'Petro' (Alex Pietrangelo) as well."

Who was your favorite hockey player growing up?

"Probably Brett Hull. I mean it was hard to escape his gravitational pull in St. Louis in the '80s. But the Blues had such a great history and organization. We had guys like Mike Liut and Garry Unger, obviously Bernie Federko, Brian Sutter, we had so many big players come through the organization, Brendan Shanahan. All of whom have become friends of mine, really, over the course of being a fan and being more and more involved with the game and the franchise, so it has been great. Kelly Chase is another great friend of mine. It's nice to have relationships that last that long and to be able to give something back to the organization as well."

Let's talk about the Tkachuks.

"Big Walt is obviously a big part of the Blues franchise, and watching his sons and watching what Matthew has been doing is amazing."

How do you think Matthew and Keith compare?

"I mean, they look a lot alike I can tell you that much. They play a similar kind of game. You know, obviously I think Matthew is a lot better skater than Keith was or ever will be, but it is really great to see… I would have loved to see [Matthew] wearing the blue though, that's for sure, but never say never. I don't think Florida is going to give him up now."

What is your favorite hockey memory of all-time?

"2019 [Stanley Cup Championship], it's pretty hard to beat that. That was an incredible run, an incredible group of guys and a once-in-a-lifetime [experience]. I've told the story many times, I flew my best friend in from Australia to come to the Final [we went to] two games. We lost one and we won one, so it was very exciting."

Outside of St. Louis, what is your favorite arena to watch a hockey game at?

"That's a good question. Most recently, I watched a game in Calgary and the old Saddledome which was built for the Olympics in '88 and it's a great place to watch a game. I've got to say, the Calgary fans bring it. It was really fun. And I got to hang out with Kirk Muller, who was the [associate] coach there. ... That was a pretty fun one. Madison Square Garden is a great arena as well, but I've got to give it up for little ole' Calgary, the oldest arena in the League, but it's got a lot of heart."

What is your favorite hockey movie?

"I think it's got be "Slap Shot." It's hard to beat that. There's a new show out called "Shoresy" that I think is basically the generational reboot of "Slap Shot." If anything gets it close it's "Shoresy," so I'll give a little shout out to "Shoresy" as well."