According to a report from Jeremy Rutherford of the Athletic, the St. Louis Blues are expected to name forward Ryan O'Reilly their 23rd captain in franchise history. The official announcement will come at some point this week.

O'Reilly will replace out-going captain, Alex Pietrangelo, who signed a massive seven-year contract with the Vegas Golden Knights worth $61.6 million.

"He's a good choice," Pietrangelo wrote in a text message to The Athletic on Sunday night. "One of the hardest working guys I know. Leads by example every night. He has succeeded in this league for a long time, and for good reason. I was happy to have him by my side for a few years. Great person, teammate, and player!"

O'Reilly, 29, was drafted in the second round, 33rd overall by the Colorado Avalanche in the 2009 NHL entry draft. He has played for Colorado, Buffalo, and St. Louis. In 808 regular season games, O'Reilly has put up 560 points (195 G, 365 A), 106 penalty minutes, and is a -20. In 48 career playoff games, he has 41 points (15 G, 26 A), 6 penalty minutes, and is a +8.

The 2018-19 season was O'Reilly's best year so far, putting up 77 points in 82 games, and 23 points in 26 playoff games, helping the St. Louis Blues win their first Stanley Cup in franchise history. For his efforts during that year, he won the Conn Smythe Trophy as Stanley Cup Playoff MVP, and the Frank J. Selke Trophy as the best defensive forward during the regular season.

Internationally, O'Reilly has represented Canada on numerous occasions, most recently at the 2018 IIHF World Hockey Championship where he was named an alternate captain. In 10 games, he had 4 points (4 G), 2 penalty minutes, and was a +5 as Canada finished fourth after losing to the United States in the bronze medal game.

O'Reilly has also won the gold medal at the World Hockey Championships twice (2015 & 2016), and was a member of Canada's winning roster at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.

Source: Sportsnet

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