NHL Players with Retired Numbers: A Tribute to Hockey LegendsHockey has always been a sport that evokes a sense of passion and admiration among its fans. Throughout the rich history of the National Hockey League (NHL), there have been countless players who have left an indelible mark on the game.
These players have achieved such greatness that their respective teams have chosen to retire their numbers as a way to honor their contributions. In this article, we will explore the retired numbers of NHL players from different teams, shedding light on the remarkable careers of these hockey legends.
Anaheim Ducks (Teemu Selanne, Scott Niedermayer, Paul Kariya)
– Teemu Selanne: Known as the “Finnish Flash,” Selanne was one of the most exciting players to watch. He scored an incredible 684 goals in his career, making him the all-time leading scorer for the Anaheim Ducks.
Selanne’s speed and scoring ability captivated fans, and his number 8 jersey was retired in 2015. – Scott Niedermayer: Niedermayer was a key player during the Ducks’ Stanley Cup-winning season in 2007.
His skill and leadership on the ice were undeniable, earning him the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player during the playoffs. Niedermayer’s number 27 was retired in 2019.
– Paul Kariya: Kariya was a true superstar who showcased extraordinary talent and finesse. Despite facing numerous injuries throughout his career, he still managed to amass over a point per game average.
Kariya’s number 9 was retired in 2018, solidifying his status as an Anaheim Ducks legend. Arizona Coyotes (Keith Tkachuk, Thomas Steen, Bobby Hull, Teppo Numminen, Dale Hawerchuk, Jeremy Roenick, Shane Doan)
– Keith Tkachuk: Tkachuk was a dominant force on the ice, using his strength and scoring ability to become one of the Coyotes’ all-time leading scorers.
His physical presence and net-front presence caused havoc for opposing teams. Tkachuk’s number 7 jersey was retired in 2019.
– Thomas Steen: Steen was a key player during the early years of the Coyotes franchise, showcasing his skill and playmaking ability. Known for his defensive prowess as well, he remains one of the most beloved players in Coyotes history.
Steen’s number 25 was retired in 1995. – Bobby Hull: Hull, one of the most prolific scorers in NHL history, played for the Coyotes’ predecessor, the Winnipeg Jets.
His lethal shot and offensive instincts made him a fan favorite. Although he played for a different team, Hull’s number 9 was retired by the Coyotes as a tribute to his outstanding career.
– Teppo Numminen: Numminen was a steady defenseman who spent the majority of his career with the Jets/Coyotes organization. His strong defensive play and leadership qualities made him a respected figure in the locker room.
Numminen’s number 27 was retired in 2010. – Dale Hawerchuk: Hawerchuk was an offensive dynamo during his time with the Jets.
His scoring ability and playmaking skills made him a fan favorite. Hawerchuk’s number 10 was retired by the Coyotes in 2007, recognizing his impact on the franchise.
– Jeremy Roenick: Roenick was a charismatic and highly skilled forward who played an integral role in the Coyotes’ success during the 1990s. His exciting style of play and scoring ability made him one of the most popular players in the franchise’s history.
Roenick’s number 97 was retired in 2012. – Shane Doan: Doan was the heartbeat of the Coyotes’ organization for over two decades.
Known for his leadership and loyalty, he became the face of the franchise. Doan’s number 19 was retired in 2019, immortalizing his legacy as one of the greatest Coyotes of all time.
Boston Bruins (Eddie Shore, Johnny Bucyk, Lionel Hitchman, Milt Schmidt, Bobby Orr, Rick Middleton, Aubrey “Dit” Clapper, Terry O’Reilly, Phil Esposito, Ray Bourque, Cam Neely)
– Eddie Shore: Shore was a rugged defenseman who established a reputation as a fearsome competitor. His intensity and physicality made him one of the greatest defensemen of his era.
Shore’s number 2 jersey was retired in 1947. – Johnny Bucyk: Bucyk was a highly skilled forward who spent the majority of his career with the Bruins.
Known for his longevity and offensive prowess, he became a fixture in Boston. Bucyk’s number 9 was retired in 1980.
– Lionel Hitchman: Hitchman was a defenseman who played a crucial role in the Bruins’ success during the 1920s. His defensive skills and toughness made him a respected figure on the ice.
Hitchman’s number 3 was retired in 1934. – Milt Schmidt: Schmidt was a key member of the Bruins’ famous “Kraut Line” alongside Bobby Bauer and Woody Dumart.
His playmaking ability and leadership qualities were instrumental in bringing two Stanley Cups to Boston. Schmidt’s number 15 was retired in 1957.
– Bobby Orr: Orr revolutionized the game of hockey with his incredible skating ability and offensive prowess. He remains one of the greatest defensemen in NHL history, winning eight consecutive Norris Trophies.
Orr’s number 4 jersey was retired in 1979. – Rick Middleton: Middleton was a prolific scorer for the Bruins during the 1980s.
His natural goal-scoring ability and skillful play made him a fan favorite. Middleton’s number 16 was retired in 2018.
– Aubrey “Dit” Clapper: Clapper was a versatile player who excelled both as a forward and a defenseman. His longevity and consistency made him a respected figure in the Bruins’ organization.
Clapper’s number 5 was retired in 1947. – Terry O’Reilly: O’Reilly, known for his physical play and toughness, became a fan favorite in Boston during his time with the Bruins.
His leadership qualities and dedication to the team were second to none. O’Reilly’s number 24 was retired in 2002.
– Phil Esposito: Esposito was an offensive powerhouse during his time with the Bruins. He set numerous scoring records and played a pivotal role in bringing two Stanley Cups to Boston.
Esposito’s number 7 jersey was retired in 1987. – Ray Bourque: Bourque was a legendary defenseman who spent the majority of his career with the Bruins.
Known for his offensive production and leadership qualities, he remains one of the greatest defensemen in NHL history. Bourque’s number 77 was retired in 2001.
– Cam Neely: Neely was a dominant power forward who electrified fans with his scoring ability and physical presence. Despite a career cut short by injuries, he left an indelible mark on the Bruins’ organization.
Neely’s number 8 jersey was retired in 2004. Buffalo Sabres (Tim Horton, Pat LaFontaine, Rick Martin, Danny Gare, Gilbert Perreault, Dominik Hasek, Rene Robert)
– Tim Horton: Horton was not only known for his legendary career as a defenseman but also for the coffee and donut franchise that bears his name.
His solid defensive play and powerful shot made him a fan favorite. Horton’s number 2 jersey was retired in 1996.
– Pat LaFontaine: LaFontaine was a highly skilled forward who exemplified perseverance and determination. His offensive talent and leadership qualities made him one of the most beloved players in Sabres history.
LaFontaine’s number 16 was retired in 2006. – Rick Martin: Martin formed one-third of the famous “French Connection” line alongside Gilbert Perreault and Rene Robert.
Known for his goal-scoring ability, Martin remains the second-highest goal scorer in Sabres history. Martin’s number 7 jersey was retired in 1995.
– Danny Gare: Gare was an exciting forward who captivated fans with his scoring ability and relentless effort. His never-give-up attitude made him a fan favorite in Buffalo.
Gare’s number 18 jersey was retired in 2005. – Gilbert Perreault: Perreault was a dazzling skater who brought excitement and skill to the Sabres’ lineup.
Known for his creativity and offensive flair, he became the face of the franchise. Perreault’s number 11 was retired in 1990.
– Dominik Hasek: Hasek, widely considered one of the greatest goaltenders in NHL history, was a dominant force between the pipes for the Sabres. His acrobatic saves and competitive nature made him a standout player.
Hasek’s number 39 was retired in 2015. – Rene Robert: Robert completed the “French Connection” line, providing excellent playmaking and goal-scoring abilities.
His contributions were instrumental in the Sabres’ success during the 1970s. Robert’s number 14 jersey was retired in 1995.
Calgary Flames (Lanny McDonald, Mike Vernon, Jarome Iginla)
– Lanny McDonald: McDonald was a rugged forward known for his iconic mustache and his hard-nosed play. His leadership qualities and scoring ability made him a fan favorite.
McDonald’s number 9 jersey was retired in 1990. – Mike Vernon: Vernon was a highly skilled goaltender who played a crucial role in the Flames’ Stanley Cup victory in 1989.
His strong play between the pipes solidified the team’s success. Vernon’s number 30 jersey was retired in 2007.
– Jarome Iginla: Iginla was the face of the Flames for over a decade, becoming one of the most respected players in the league. Known for his goal-scoring ability and leadership on and off the ice, he remains one of the greatest Flames of all time.
Iginla’s number 12 jersey was retired in 2019. Carolina Hurricanes (Glen Wesley, Rod Brind’Amour, Ron Francis)
– Glen Wesley: Wesley was a steady defenseman who played a key role in the Hurricanes’ Stanley Cup victory in 2006.
His defensive presence and leadership qualities were invaluable to the team’s success. Wesley’s number 2 jersey was retired in 2009.
– Rod Brind’Amour: Brind’Amour was a tireless two-way forward who brought intensity and grit to every game. His leadership qualities and dedication to the game made him a respected figure.
Brind’Amour’s number 17 jersey was retired in 2011. – Ron Francis: Francis was a highly skilled forward who excelled in all aspects of the game.
His offensive production and leadership qualities were instrumental in the Hurricanes’ success. Francis’ number 10 jersey was retired in 2006.
Chicago Blackhawks (Joe Sakic, Patrick Roy, Peter Forsberg, Adam Foote, Milan Hejduk, Ray Bourque)
– Joe Sakic: Sakic, although not a member of the Blackhawks, played a major role in the Colorado Avalanche’s success. His incredible skill, leadership, and scoring ability earned him a place among the all-time greats.
Sakic’s number 19 jersey was retired by the Avalanche in 2009. – Patrick Roy: Roy, widely regarded as one of the greatest goaltenders in NHL history, backstopped the Avalanche to two Stanley Cup victories.
His remarkable play and competitive spirit defined his career. Roy’s number 33 jersey was retired by the Avalanche in 2003.
– Peter Forsberg: Forsberg was a dominant force with exceptional playmaking and scoring abilities. His physical play and determination made him one of the most complete players of his generation.
Forsberg’s number 21 jersey was retired by the Avalanche in 2011. – Adam Foote: Foote was a rugged defenseman who provided stability and leadership on the Avalanche blue line.
His physicality and defensive prowess were instrumental in the team’s success. Foote’s number 52 jersey was retired by the Avalanche in 2013.
– Milan Hejduk: Hejduk was a key contributor to the Avalanche’s success, known for his scoring ability and offensive flair. His longevity and consistent play made him a respected figure in the organization.
Hejduk’s number 23 jersey was retired in 2018. – Ray Bourque: Bourque, although not a member of the Blackhawks, was a legendary defenseman who spent the majority of his career with the Boston Bruins.
His offensive production and leadership qualities made him one of the greatest defensemen of all time. Bourque’s number 77 jersey was retired by the Bruins in 2001.
In conclusion, the retired numbers of NHL players hold great significance in honoring the contributions and achievements of hockey legends. From the Anaheim Ducks to the Chicago Blackhawks, players from various teams have left their mark on the sport.
These players were not only skilled athletes but also leaders and role models who inspired generations of fans. Their retired jerseys serve as a reminder of their outstanding careers and the impact they had on their respective franchises.
The stories of these players highlight the passion and dedication that define the NHL. As fans, we are privileged to witness the greatness of these hockey legends, and their retired numbers serve as a lasting tribute to their remarkable legacies.