After 1,184 NHL regular-season games, Bouwmeester finally became a Stanley Cup champion on June 12, 2019, when he and the St. Louis Blues defeated the Boston Bruins 4-1 at TD Garden in Game 7 of the Cup Final. He had an assist on Ryan O'Reilly's first-period goal, led all players in ice time (28:34) in Game 7 and finished the playoffs with seven points, all assists, in 26 games.
But Bouwmeester's 2019-20 season came to a sudden end on Feb. 11, when he had a cardiac episode while on the bench during the first period of the game between the Blues and Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center. He was hospitalized for several days before being allowed to return home, but his season was over.
After 1,184 NHL regular-season games, Bouwmeester finally became a Stanley Cup champion on June 12, 2019, when he and the St. Louis Blues defeated the Boston Bruins 4-1 at TD Garden in Game 7 of the Cup Final. He had an assist on Ryan O'Reilly's first-period goal, led all players in ice time (28:34) in Game 7 and finished the playoffs with seven points, all assists, in 26 games.
But Bouwmeester's 2019-20 season came to a sudden end on Feb. 11, when he had a cardiac episode while on the bench during the first period of the game between the Blues and Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center. He was hospitalized for several days before being allowed to return home, but his season was over.
Until then, Bouwmeester had been one of the most durable players in the NHL. He played 737 consecutive games from 2004-14, the longest such streak by a defenseman in NHL history.
A smooth skater with a feel for when to join the rush, Bouwmeester can contribute offensively or focus on shutting down opposition forwards. The Florida Panthers selected him with the No. 3 pick in the 2002 NHL Draft, and in 2002-03 he became the first rookie in Panthers history to play 82 regular-season games. He would play every game again for seven straight seasons from 2005-12.
Bouwmeester made his NHL debut Oct. 10, 2002, getting an assist against the Tampa Bay Lightning, and scored his first NHL goal against the Chicago Blackhawks on Nov. 11, 2002. He was named to the 2002-03 NHL All-Rookie Team after he was second among first-year players in average time on ice (20:09).
Bouwmeester had back-to-back 40-point seasons with Florida in 2005-06 and 2006-07, and he reached double figures in goals three consecutive times from 2006-09. He led the NHL in average time on ice (27:28) in 2007-08.
The Panthers traded Bouwmeester to the Calgary Flames on June 27, 2009, for defenseman Jordan Leopold and a third-round pick in the 2009 NHL Draft. On March 15, 2011, Bouwmeester broke the NHL mark for consecutive games played by a defenseman when he skated in his 496th straight, passing Karlis Skrastins.
The Flames traded Bouwmeester to the Blues on April 1, 2013, for goalie Reto Berra, defenseman Mark Cundari and a 2013 first-round draft pick. Bouwmeester played his first Stanley Cup Playoff game after appearing in 764 NHL regular-season games when he dressed for the Blues against the Los Angeles Kings on April 30, 2013.
Among the highlights of Bouwmeester's international career is representing Canada at the 2000 IIHF World Junior Championship at age 16 years and three months. At the time he was the youngest player to play for Canada in the tournament.
Bouwmeester was named the top defenseman at the 2003 IIHF World Championship after helping Canada win the tournament.
NOTES & TRANSACTIONS
- WHL East First All-Star Team (2002)
- NHL All-Rookie Team (2003)
- Played in NHL All-Star Game (2007, 2009)
- Traded to Calgary by Florida for Jordan Leopold and Phoenix's 3rd round pick (previously acquired, Florida selected Josh Birkholz) in 2009 NHL Draft, June 27, 2009.
- Traded to St. Louis by Calgary for Mark Cundari, Reto Berra and St. Louis' 1st round pick (Emile Poirier) in 2013 NHL Draft, April 1, 2013.
