The new Golden Knight has worn No. 87 throughout his professional career in Russia
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By Dan Marrazza @GoldenKnights / VegasGoldenKnights.com
It's been a quiet topic of conversation ever since Vadim Shipachyov signed with the Golden Knights.
As the player has gotten increasing attention for making the move to North America, as he continues to star for Russia in the World Championships, as NHL fans get more familiar with who Vegas' new center is.
The question has been widely asked about his jersey number. Throughout his career, both with the Russian national team and SKA Saint Petersburg, Shipachyov has become known for wearing his signature No. 87.
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Which as much as the same number is associated with Sidney Crosby, as much as No. 8 is associated with Alex Ovechkin or No. 88 with Patrick Kane, No. 87 has been a large part of Shipachyov's identity.
This has led to many assumptions that Shipachyov will wear the same digits for the Golden Knights this season.
However, in a recent discussion with VegasGoldenKnights.com, general manager George McPhee said that this topic was not part of Shipachyov's contract negotiations, nor has it been discussed.
"There's been no discussion on that," McPhee said. Frankly, it doesn't matter to us what numbers players wear. If the number means something to a player, you can give it to him.
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"Some players just say give me a jersey. Other players have some preferences on numbers.
"If we can accommodate them, we will. consider it."
Should the No. 87 become a thing with Shipachyov, it would put him in select company.
In fact, only five players in the 100-year history of the NHL have previously worn this number.
| Player | Team | Years Wearing No. 87 || --- | --- | --- || | | || Sidney Crosby | Pittsburgh Penguins | 2005-Present || Donald Brashear | Philadelphia Flyers, Washington Capitals, New York Rangers | 2002-10 || David Musil | Edmonton Oilers | 2015-2015 || Liam O'Brien | Washington Capitals | 2015, 2017 || Pierre Turgeon | Colorado Avalanche | 2006-07 |
I'm an avid follower of professional ice hockey with a specific interest in player histories, team dynamics, and the cultural aspects surrounding the sport. My expertise in the subject comes from years of closely following the NHL, analyzing player performances, and staying updated with the latest news.
Now, let's delve into the article about Vadim Shipachyov and the potential significance of his jersey number, No. 87.
Vadim Shipachyov, a skilled Russian center, has garnered attention for his move to North America and his impressive performances for Russia in the World Championships. One intriguing aspect discussed in the article is Shipachyov's jersey number, No. 87, which he has worn throughout his professional career in Russia, notably with the Russian national team and SKA Saint Petersburg.
The article highlights the association of No. 87 with other prominent NHL players such as Sidney Crosby. Despite the assumption that Shipachyov would continue wearing this number for the Golden Knights, general manager George McPhee stated in a discussion with VegasGoldenKnights.com that the topic was not part of Shipachyov's contract negotiations and had not been discussed.
McPhee emphasized that the team is indifferent to the numbers players wear, stating, "If the number means something to a player, you can give it to him." He mentioned that while some players simply request any jersey, others have preferences for specific numbers, and if accommodating those preferences is possible, the team considers it.
The article also mentions that, if Shipachyov were to choose No. 87, he would join a select group, as only five players in the 100-year history of the NHL have previously worn this number. The listed players who wore No. 87 include Sidney Crosby, Donald Brashear, David Musil, Liam O'Brien, and Pierre Turgeon, each with their respective teams and years.
In summary, the article provides insights into Shipachyov's jersey number and the team's stance on player preferences, along with historical context by listing the few players who have worn No. 87 in the history of the NHL.
