The NHL has understandably tabbed its marquee franchises to play in the Winter Classic, maximizing the visibility of the event. This year is no exception, with “Original Six” clubs Toronto and Detroit making up the main attraction.

The Blues have not been one of those preeminent teams in recent years, but they appear to be headed in that direction. It hasn’t translated into much playoff success, but the club finished with the third-highest point total in the NHL standings in 2011-12, the sixth-best mark in ‘12-13 and it currently owns the fourth overall spot.

“That is one of the points being made,” Stillman said. “We’re now a team that is well-respected around the league and a team that fans beyond St. Louis would be interested in seeing.”

There isn’t a formal application process, Stillman says, to secure the Winter Classic. The NHL is well aware that all 30 teams would welcome the event. It’s more a matter of pushing and prodding.

“The informal lobbying is probably the most important,” Stillman said. “I think the next step for us is probably to pull together a more formal effort with us and the Cardinals and the St. Louis Sports Commission.”