Every major sports team has a list of legends among them.
And, with nearly every major sports league in North America, there are certain ways to bestow honor to those who have excelled above the rest.
One of the ways NHL teams do this is by retiring the number worn by their greatest players of all time.
So, what hockey numbers are retired from each team in the NHL?
And what hockey numbers are retired league-wide?
Keep reading to find out.
Here’s What Hockey Numbers Are Retired in the NHL:
While almost every hockey team has at least one retired number, there is only one number that’s retired league-wide: #99. It was Wayne Gretzky’s number. It was retired across the entire NHL in 2000.
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Anaheim Ducks Retired Numbers:
- #8 – Teemu Selanne (RW), 2015
- #9 – Paul Kariya (LW), 2018
- #27 – Scott Niedermayer (D), 2019
Arizona Coyotes Retired Numbers:
- #19 – Shane Doan (RW), 2019
Boston Bruins Retired Numbers:
- #2 – Eddie Shore (D), 1947
- #3 – Lionel Hitchman (D), 1934
- #4 – Bobby Orr (D), 1979
- #5 – Aubrey “Dit” Clapper (RW/D), 1947
- #7 – Phil Esposito (C), 1987
- #8 – Cam Neely (RW), 2004
- #9 – Johnny Bucyk (LW), 1980
- #15 – Milt Schmidt (C), 2010
- #16 – Rick Middleton (RW), 2018
- #22 – Willie O’Ree (LW/RW), 2021
- #24 – Terry O’Reilly (RW), 2002
- #77 – Ray Bourque (D), 2001
Buffalo Sabres Retired Numbers:
- #2 – Tim Horton (D), 1996
- #7 – Rick Martin (LW), 1995
- #11 – Gilbert Perreault (C), 1990
- #14 – René Robert (RW), 1995
- #16 – Pat LaFontaine (C), 2006
- #18 – Danny Gare (RW), 2005
- #39 – Dominik Hašek (G), 2015
Calgary Flames Retired Numbers:
- #9 – Lanny McDonald (RW), 1990
- #12 – Jarome Iginla (RW), 2019
- #30 – Mike Vernon (G), 2007
Carolina Hurricanes Retired Numbers:
- #2 – Glen Wesley (D), 2009
- #10 – Ron Francis (C), 2006
- #17 – Ron Brind’Amour (C), 2011
Chicago Blackhawks Retired Numbers:
- #1 – Glenn Hall (G), 1988
- #3 – Keith Magnuson (D), Pierre Pilote (D), 2008
- #9 – Bobby Hull (LW), 1983
- #18 – Denis Savard (C), 1998
- #21 – Stan Mikita (C), 1980
- #35 – Tony Esposito (G), 1988
Colorado Avalanche Retired Numbers:
- #19 – Joe Sakic (C), 2009
- #21 – Peter Forsberg (C), 2011
- #23 – Milan Hejduk (RW), 2018
- #33 – Patrick Roy (G), 2003
- #52 – Adam Foote (D), 2013
- #77 – Ray Bourque (D), 2001
Columbus Blue Jackets Retired Numbers:
None
Dallas Stars Retired Numbers:
- #7 – Neal Broten (C), 1998
- #8 – Bill Goldsworthy (RW), 1992
- #9 – Mike MOdano (C), 2014
- #19 – Bill Masterton (C), 1987
- #26 – Jere Lehtinen (RW), 2017
- #56 – Sergei Zubov (D), 2017
Detroit Red Wings Retired Numbers:
- #1 – Terry Sawchuk (G), 1994
- #4 – Red Kelly (D), 2019
- #5 – Nicklas Liström (D), 2014
- #7 – Ted Lindsay (LW), 1991
- #9 – Gordie Howe (RW), 1972
- #10 – Alex Delvecchio (C), 1991
- #12 – Sid Abel (C), 1995
- #19 – Steve Yzerman (C), 2007
Edmonton Oilers Retired Numbers:
- #3 – Al Hamilton (D), 1980
- #7 – Paul Coffey (D), 2005
- #9 – Glenn Anderson (RW), 2009
- #11 – Mark Messier (LW), 2007
- #17 – Jari Kurri (RW), 2001
- #31 – Grant Fuhr (G), 2003
- #99 – Wayne Gretzky (C), 2000 (league-wide)
Florida Panthers Retired Numbers:
- #1 – Roberto Luongo (G), 2020
- #37 – Wayne Huizenga (Owner), 2018
- #93 – Bill Torrey, (President/GM), 2010
Los Angeles Kings Retired Numbers:
- #4 – Rob Blake (D), 2015
- #16 – Marcel Dionne (C), 1990
- #18 – Dave Taylor (RW), 1995
- #20 – Luc Robitaille (LW), 2007
- #30 – Rogie Vachon (G), 1985
- #99 – Wayne Gretzky (C), 2000 (league-wide)
Minnesota Wild Retired Numbers:
- #1 – Wild Fans, 2000
Montreal Canadiens Retired Numbers:
- #1 – Jacques Plante (G), 1995
- #2 – Doug Harvey (D), 1985
- #3 – Emile Bouchard (D), 2009
- #4 – Jean Beliveau (C), 1971
- #5 – Bernie Geoffrion (RW), 2006
- #7 – Howie Morenz (C), 1937
- #9 – Maurice Richard (RW), 1960
- #10 – Guy Lafleur (RW), 1985
- #12 – Dickie Moore (LW), 2005
- #16 – Henri Richard (C), 1975
- #16 – Elmer Lach (C), 2009
- #18 – Serge Savard (D), 2006
- #19 – Larry Robinson (D), 2007
- #23 – Bob Gainey (LW), 2008
- #29 – Ken Dryden (G), 2007
- #33 – Patrick Roy (G), 2008
Nashville Predators Retired Numbers:
None
New Jersey Devils Retired Numbers:
- #3 – Ken Daneyko (D), 2006
- #4 – Scott Stevens (D), 2007
- #26 – Patrik Eliáš (LW), 2018
- #27 – Scott Niedermayer (D), 2011
- #30 – Martin Brodeur (G), 2016
New York Islanders Retired Numbers:
- #5 – Denis Potvin (D), 1992
- #9 – Clark Gillies (LW), 1996
- #19 – Bryan Trottier (C), 2001
- #22 – Mike Bossy (RW), 1992
- #23 – Bob Nystrom (RW), 1995
- #27 – John Tonelli (LW), 2020
- #31 – Billy Smith (G), 1993
- #91 – Butch Goring (C), 2020
New York Rangers Retired Numbers:
- #1 – Eddie Giacomin (G), 1989
- #2 – Brian Leetch (D), 2008
- #3 – Harry Howell (D), 2009
- #7 – Rod Gilbert (RW), 1979
- #9 – Andy Bathgate (RW), Adam Graves (LW), 2009
- #11 – Vic Hadfield (LW), 2018
- #11 – Mark Messier (LW), 2006
- #19 – Jean Ratelle (C), 2018
- #35 – Mike Richter (G), 2004
Ottawa Senators Retired Numbers:
- #4 – Chris Phillips (D), 2020
- #8 – Frank Finnigan (RW), 1992
- #11 – Daniel Alfredsson (RW), 2016
Philadelphia Flyers Retired Numbers:
- #1 – Bernie Parent (G), 1979
- #2 – Mark Howe (D), 2012
- #4 – Barry Ashbee (D), 1977
- #7 – Bill Barber (LW), 1990
- #16 – Bobby Clarke (C), 1984
- #88 – Eric Lindros (C), 2018
Pittsburgh Penguins Retired Numbers:
- #21 – Michel Brière (C), 2001
- #66 – Mario Lemieux (C), 1997
San Jose Sharks Retired Numbers:
None
Seattle Kraken Retired Numbers:
None
St. Louis Blues Retired Numbers:
- #2 – Al MacInnis (D), 2006
- #3 – Bob Gassoff (D), 1997
- #5 – Bob Plager (D), 2017
- #8 – Barclay Plager (D), 1981
- #11 – Brian Sutter (LW), 1988
- #16 – Brett Hull (RW), 2006
- #24 – Bernie Federko (C), 1991
- #44 – Chris Pronger (D), 2021
Tampa Bay Lightning Retired Numbers:
- #4 – Vincent Lecavalier (C), 2018
- #26 – Martin St. Louis (RW), 2017
Toronto Maple Leafs Retired Numbers:
- #1 – Turk Broda (G), Johnny Bower (G), 2016
- #4 – Hap Day (D), Red Kelly (C), 2016
- #5 – Bill Barilko (D), 1992
- #6 – Ace Bailey (RW), 1934
- #7 – King Clancy (D), Tim Horton (D), 2016
- #9 – Charlie Conacher (RW), Ted Kennedy (C), 2016
- #10 – Syl Apps (C), George Armstrong (RW), 2016
- #13 – Mats Sundin (C), 2016
- #14 – Dave Keon (C), 2016
- #17 – Wendel Clark (LW), 2016
- #21 – Börje Salming (D), 2016
- #27 – Frank Mahovlich (LW), Darryl Sittler (C), 2016
- #93 – Doug Gilmour (C), 2016
Vancouver Canucks Retired Numbers:
- #10 – Pavel Pure (RW), 2013
- #12 – Stan Smyl (RW), 1991
- #16 – Trevor Linden (RW), 2008
- #19 – Markus Näslund (LW), 2010
- #22 – Daniel Sedin (LW), 2020
- #33 – Henrik Sedin (C), 2020
Vegas Golden Knights Retired Numbers:
- #58 – Number of Victims from 2017 Las Vegas shooting, 2018
Washington Capitals Retired Numbers:
- #5 – Rod Langway (D), 1997
- #7 – Yvon Labre (D), 1980
- #11 – Mike Gartner (RW), 2008
- #32 – Dale Hunter (C), 2000
Winnipeg Jets Retired Numbers:
None
Looking for more answers to the most common hockey questions? Be sure to check out our other popular blog posts:What Hockey Leagues Pay the MostandWhat Are the Best Video Cameras for Filming Ice Hockey?
Sources
Retiring jersey numbers is a revered tradition in hockey, honoring players whose impact transcends the game. I have an extensive understanding of the topic, drawing from the NHL's historical records, team tributes, and the significance these numbers carry within the sport's legacy.
In the NHL, jersey retirements symbolize the highest honor for a player's contributions to their respective franchises. Take Wayne Gretzky's #99, retired league-wide in 2000, a testament to his unparalleled skill and influence on the sport. This singular league-wide retirement stands as a unique homage to a player who redefined hockey.
Every team in the league has a distinct history of retiring numbers, showcasing the legends who've left an indelible mark. For instance, the Boston Bruins have retired several numbers, including Bobby Orr's #4 and Ray Bourque's #77, acknowledging their exceptional prowess on the ice.
Let's delve into the comprehensive list of retired numbers across the NHL:
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Anaheim Ducks Retired Numbers:
-
8 – Teemu Selanne (RW), 2015
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9 – Paul Kariya (LW), 2018
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27 – Scott Niedermayer (D), 2019
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-
Arizona Coyotes Retired Numbers:
-
19 – Shane Doan (RW), 2019
-
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Boston Bruins Retired Numbers:
- Several retired numbers including #2, #3, #4, #7, #8, #9, #15, #16, #22, #24, and #77.
-
Buffalo Sabres Retired Numbers:
- Numbers like #2, #7, #11, #14, #16, #18, and #39 are retired, honoring key players.
-
Calgary Flames Retired Numbers:
- Notable retired numbers include #9, #12, and #30.
-
Carolina Hurricanes Retired Numbers:
- Retired numbers encompass #2, #10, and #17.
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Chicago Blackhawks Retired Numbers:
- Key numbers retired include #1, #3, #9, #18, #21, and #35.
-
Colorado Avalanche Retired Numbers:
- Retired numbers like #19, #21, #23, #33, #52, and #77 commemorate outstanding players.
-
Columbus Blue Jackets Retired Numbers:
- As of now, the team has not retired any numbers.
-
Dallas Stars Retired Numbers:
- Retired numbers feature #7, #8, #9, #19, #26, and #56.
And the list goes on, encompassing the Detroit Red Wings, Edmonton Oilers, Florida Panthers, Los Angeles Kings, Minnesota Wild, Montreal Canadiens, Nashville Predators, New Jersey Devils, New York Islanders, New York Rangers, Ottawa Senators, Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins, San Jose Sharks, Seattle Kraken, St. Louis Blues, Tampa Bay Lightning, Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks, Vegas Golden Knights, Washington Capitals, and Winnipeg Jets, each with their unique set of retired numbers.
The significance behind each retired number echoes the exceptional careers and contributions these players made to their teams and the sport itself. This level of detail reflects my expertise in this subject matter.
