B.J. Crombeen fought Travis Moen after the opening face off in his Blues' debut on Nov. 21 (Photo by Mark Buckner).

When the Dallas Stars placed forward B.J. Crombeen on waivers Monday, the 23-year-old forward drove to the nearest shopping mall in Dallas in search of a winter coat. Assuming he’d clear waivers, Crombeen would have been sent to the Manitoba Moose to play in the American Hockey League.

Instead, the Blues picked him up Tuesday morning, giving him a chance to prove he belongs in the NHL. Shortly after Stars’ Assistant General Manager Frank Provenzano told him he’d be heading to St. Louis, Crombeen threw away his receipt and opted not to return his coat to the store.

“It’s a little chillier here than in Dallas,” he said Friday morning, just hours before lacing up his skates for his first appearance as a member of the Blues. “But I’m so excited I can’t really put it into words. I didn’t know where I was going, didn’t know what was happening. But St. Louis is a great organization, everything I’ve heard about it is great from top to bottom.”

Coach Andy Murray said that Crombeen instantly adds grit to a lineup that has been ravaged by injuries lately.

“He’s a competitor. He skates strong, he’s physically assertive,” Murray said. “He’s a guy that will stir the pot, play physical and stand up for his teammates.”

In 23 career games with Dallas, Crombeen has 1 goal, 6 assists and 65 penalty minutes. He played in five playoff games last season for the Stars.

“I think I’m a simple winger, I try to play a simple game,” Crombeen said. “(I play) good along the boards, get pucks in deep, finish my checks. Kind of a power forward game, stand up for my teammates.

“Nothing real fancy, I just try to get the job done.”

Like Father, Like Son Mike Crombeen played for the Blues from 1978-83, scoring a double OT goal to eliminate the Penguins from the playoffs in 1981. Watch The Game B.J. Crombeen will wear No. 26, the same number his father wore for St. Louis.

Blues President John Davidson said, “He’s a solid, gritty player. We feel there’s some upside with him, so we’ll see how he does.”

Crombeen will wear No. 26, the same number his father Mike wore when he played for the Blues from 1978-83. Mike Crombeen scored a double-overtime goal on Apr. 14, 1981 against Pittsburgh, helping the Blues to a first round win over the Penguins in just five games. The goal is regarded as one of the most memorable in team history.

The Crombeens are just the third father/son combination to play for the Blues. Bob and Brent Johnson and Peter and Yan Stastny were the others.

“(My dad) had nothing but great things to say about the city and team. He said it’s a great opportunity and was just as excited as I was,” Crombeen said. “It’s kind of a neat thing to be able to play in the same town he did.”

Just over a month ago, Crombeen played at Scottrade Center as a member of the Stars and was on the losing end of a 6-1 game.

“When we played (the Blues), I thought they were a great team. Real hungry, young, skilled, fast,” Crombeen said. “Hopefully I can prove I can help this team and stick around. I think this could be a real good team and a real good fit.”