Peter Stastny

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Peter Šťastný's North American career began with a daring escape in 1980. He and his brother Anton were smuggled out of Czechoslovakia into Austria, accompanied by Peter's pregnant wife, thanks to the help of Quebec Nordiques president Marcel Aubut and chief scout Gilles Leger. Their younger brother Marián joined them a year later after they raised $30,000 to bribe officials. All three brothers played for the Nordiques from 1981 to 1985, becoming only the third trio of siblings to play simultaneously for the same NHL team, following the Bentleys and Plagers. Peter became the first European-trained player to reach 1,000 points in the NHL. He finished his career with the St. Louis Blues before settling there as a scout.

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

Peter Šťastný's career is defined by his historic defection and his time with the Quebec Nordiques (the predecessor to the Colorado Avalanche) and St. Louis Blues. He was part of a unique trio with brothers Anton and Marián, who all played for the Nordiques simultaneously between 1981 and 1985. Peter's achievement as the first European-trained player to reach 1,000 NHL points stands as a major milestone. His legacy is further cemented by his family; he and son Paul rank fourth in total father-son scoring history. After retiring, Peter worked as a scout for the St. Louis Blues, where his son Paul later played high school hockey.

Did You Know?

• Peter Šťastný was the first European-trained player to reach 1,000 points in the NHL.
• He and his brothers Anton and Marián were only the third trio of siblings to play simultaneously for the same NHL team (Nordiques, 1981-1985).
• Peter and Paul Stastny currently rank fourth all-time in total scoring by a father–son combination in the NHL.
• Paul was born in Quebec City while Peter played for the Nordiques; his jersey number 26 is retired by the franchise.
• Peter helped smuggle himself and Anton out of Czechoslovakia in 1980 with the aid of Nordiques president Marcel Aubut.