Nearly three months after being acquired by the Blues in a blockbuster trade, goaltender Jaroslav Halak was introduced to fans today at Scottrade Center.

The press conference opened with a video tribute to Halak, highlighting his memorable playoff run with his former team, the Montreal Canadiens.

Halak, who arrived in St. Louis Wednesday night, said that he was appreciative of the reception from the Blues and their fans.

"It's really nice that the fans showed up," Halak said. "It's like being drafted, putting a jersey on and taking pictures with the owners and general managers. It was nice to see, and I'm looking forward to a new season."

The Blues acquired Halak from Montreal in June for prospects Lars Eller and Ian Schultz. Because the trade happened in the offseason, and Halak, a native of Slovakia, spent his summer at home, his arrival has been delayed.

Blues general manager Doug Armstrong, who engineered the trade, said that it felt good today to finally meet Halak and welcome him to the city.

"It was a long time before we got him here, but the excitement is starting to build for training camp," Armstrong said. "I think it was important for him to get here a little bit early, get on the ice with the guys, get comfortable, get his living arrangements taken care of . . . so when we do start training camp, he's focused and ready to go."

The Blues' training camp opens Sept. 17. Halak's first day on the ice with his new teammates will be Friday at the Ice Zone inside the Mills Mall in Hazelwood. The informal practice is scheduled to start at 8:30 a.m.

Halak isn't familiar with many of his new teammates, if any. When the trade happened, he phoned former Blue Pavol Demitra to find out more about the city and the team. Though he's still learning as he goes, Halak said he's familiar with the potential of the young roster.

"We've got some experienced guys, but mostly younger guys," he said. "Everybody is trying to get more experience. I think in the long run, everybody is going to be a great hockey player."

David Perron, Erik Johnson and Alex Steen attended the press conference today and said afterwards they are excited about his arrival.

"It's been real ever since it happened," Perron said, "but obviously it's good to see him in town. He wants to succeed here as well, and like everybody has been mentioning, he's won at every level he's played at. He knows how to do it, and we're happy to have him."

Added Johnson: "We gave up some good players to get Jaro, but we have an established franchise goalie who's young and not even in the prime of his career yet. I think he's like (Armstrong) and JD have been saying, he has a track record of winning where's he been. He took an underdog team (Montreal) to the conference finals last year and we're  excited to have him."

Halak might have endeared himself to fans a little quicker by revealing the two masks he will wear this season. One is painted with pictures of former Blues goalie greats Jacques Plante, Mike Liut and Grant Fuhr.

"Everyone on the mask was a great goalie and a Hall of Famer," Halak said. "I know Jacques Plante he didn't play long enough, but he won a Vezina Trophy. Everyone was a great goalie, and that's why I put them on the mask."

JR