Chris Butler (ice hockey)
A dependable NHL defenseman who forged a decade-long career through smart positioning and resilience, culminating with his hometown St. Louis Blues.
Born 1986 (age 40)·American ice hockey player·Birthday: October 27·Millennials
Biography
Chris Butler's path to the NHL was one of quiet determination. A fourth-round draft pick by Buffalo in 2005, he honed his game at the University of Denver, developing into a steady, stay-at-home defenseman. He broke into the league with the Sabres not on the strength of flashy offense, but through reliable defensive play, shot-blocking, and crisp first passes. Trades took him to Calgary and then, in a storybook twist, back to his native St. Louis. Playing for the Blues was a full-circle moment for the St. Louis native. While not a star, Butler's value was in his preparedness and professionalism; he was the player coaches could slot into the lineup knowing the defensive structure would hold. His career stands as a testament to the impact of a player who maximized his role through intelligence and grit.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Chris was born in 1986, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Chris Was Born
The biggest hits of 1986
#1 Movie
Top Gun
Best Picture
Platoon
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Chris's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1986Born
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1991Started school
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1999Became a teenager
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Could drive
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2004Could vote
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Turned 21
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2016Turned 30
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2026Turned 40
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Played over 400 regular-season games in the NHL across three teams.
- Was drafted 96th overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft.
- Played collegiate hockey for the University of Denver Pioneers.
- Finished his NHL career playing for his hometown team, the St. Louis Blues.
Did You Know?
He played his junior hockey for the St. Louis Amateur Blues before college.
He served as an alternate captain during his time with the Calgary Flames.
After retiring, he moved into a front office role with the St. Louis Blues.
“My job was to be reliable, to make the simple, hard play every shift.”
