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List of National Hockey League retired numbers

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Wayne Gretzky

This is a complete list of numbers retired by the National Hockey League (NHL). A retired number is a jersey number that is taken out of circulation by a team as a way of honouring a former member of that team who wore that number.

The first team to retire a number was the Toronto Maple Leafs, which retired Ace Bailey's number 6 on February 14, 1934, prior to an All-Star game organized in his honour.

Currently in the NHL, there are 122 retired numbers, 7 former retirements, and 23 honoured numbers. Most of the numbers retired by the Hartford Whalers and Quebec Nordiques were put back in circulation when those franchises relocated and became the Carolina Hurricanes and Colorado Avalanche, respectively, although the Hurricanes keep Gordie Howe's number 9 unofficially retired. The Arizona Coyotes had a policy of retaining the numbers retired when the franchise was the Winnipeg Jets but has reversed it after the Phoenix Coyotes were sold and became the Arizona Coyotes. Honoured numbers are similar to retired numbers, except that they remain available for use by other players. Presently, only the Calgary Flames, and the St. Louis Blues employ this designation. The Philadelphia Flyers have also unofficially retired number 31 in honour of goaltender Pelle Lindbergh, ever since his tragic death in 1985.

Wayne Gretzky's number 99 has been retired league-wide, although the Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings separately retired Gretzky's number.

Upon joining the league in 2000, the Minnesota Wild had a ceremony retiring number 1 from circulation as a tribute to their fans.

Eleven numbers have been retired by a team in honour of two different players: number 12 by the Montreal Canadiens for Dickie Moore and Yvan Cournoyer, number 16 by the Montreal Canadiens for Elmer Lach and Henri Richard, number 3 by the Chicago Blackhawks for Pierre Pilote and Keith Magnuson, number 5 by the Canadiens for Bernie Geoffrion and Guy Lapointe, number 9 by the New York Rangers for Andy Bathgate and Adam Graves, number 1 by the Toronto Maple Leafs for Johnny Bower and Turk Broda, number 4 by the Maple Leafs for Hap Day and Red Kelly, number 7 by the Maple Leafs for King Clancy and Tim Horton, number 9 by the Maple Leafs for Charlie Conacher and Ted Kennedy, number 10 by the Maple Leafs for Syl Apps and George Armstrong, and number 27 by the Maple Leafs for Frank Mahovlich and Darryl Sittler.

Only seven players have had their number retired by two different NHL teams:

Retired numbers

Elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame
Number retired league-wide
Never played for that particular franchise
Number retired by a team for multiple players
Name Team No. Date Ref
Sid Abel Detroit Red Wings 12 April 29, 1995
Daniel Alfredsson Ottawa Senators 11 December 29, 2016
Glenn Anderson Edmonton Oilers 9 January 18, 2009 [1]
Syl Apps Toronto Maple Leafs 10 October 15, 2016 [2]
George Armstrong Toronto Maple Leafs 10 October 15, 2016 [2]
Barry Ashbee Philadelphia Flyers 4 October 13, 1977 [3][4]
Ace Bailey Toronto Maple Leafs 6 February 14, 1934 [2]
Bill Barber Philadelphia Flyers 7 October 11, 1990 [5]
Bill Barilko Toronto Maple Leafs 5 October 17, 1992 [2]
Andy Bathgate New York Rangers 9 February 22, 2009
Jean Beliveau Montreal Canadiens 4 October 9, 1971 [6]
Mike Bossy New York Islanders 22 March 3, 1992 [7]
Rob Blake Los Angeles Kings 4 January 17, 2015 [8]
Emile Bouchard Montreal Canadiens 3 December 4, 2009
Ray Bourque Boston Bruins 77 October 4, 2001 [9]
Ray Bourque Colorado Avalanche 77 November 24, 2001 [10]
Johnny Bower Toronto Maple Leafs 1 October 15, 2016 [2]
Michel Briere Pittsburgh Penguins 21 January 5, 2001 [11]
Rod Brind'Amour Carolina Hurricanes 17 February 18, 2011 [12]
Turk Broda Toronto Maple Leafs 1 October 15, 2016 [2]
Martin Brodeur New Jersey Devils 30 February 9, 2016 [13]
Neal Broten Dallas Stars 7 February 7, 1998 [14]
Johnny Bucyk Boston Bruins 9 March 13, 1980
Pavel Bure Vancouver Canucks 10 November 2, 2013
King Clancy Toronto Maple Leafs 7 October 15, 2016 [2]
Dit Clapper Boston Bruins 5 February 12, 1947
Wendel Clark Toronto Maple Leafs 17 October 15, 2016 [2]
Bobby Clarke Philadelphia Flyers 16 November 15, 1984 [5][15]
Paul Coffey Edmonton Oilers 7 October 18, 2005 [16]
Charlie Conacher Toronto Maple Leafs 9 October 15, 2016 [2]
Yvan Cournoyer Montreal Canadiens 12 November 12, 2005 [6]
Ken Daneyko New Jersey Devils 3 March 24, 2006 [17]
Hap Day Toronto Maple Leafs 4 October 15, 2016 [2]
Alex Delvecchio Detroit Red Wings 10 November 10, 1991
Marcel Dionne Los Angeles Kings 16 November 8, 1990 [18]
Ken Dryden Montreal Canadiens 29 January 29, 2007 [6]
Phil Esposito Boston Bruins 7 December 3, 1987
Tony Esposito Chicago Blackhawks 35 November 20, 1988
Bernie Federko St. Louis Blues 24 March 16, 1991
Frank Finnigan[Notes 1] Ottawa Senators 8 October 8, 1992 [19]
Adam Foote Colorado Avalanche 52 November 2, 2013 [20]
Peter Forsberg Colorado Avalanche 21 October 8, 2011 [21]
Ron Francis Carolina Hurricanes 10 January 28, 2006 [22]
Grant Fuhr Edmonton Oilers 31 October 9, 2003 [23]
Bob Gainey Montreal Canadiens 23 February 23, 2008 [6]
Danny Gare Buffalo Sabres 18 November 22, 2005 [24]
Mike Gartner Washington Capitals 11 December 28, 2008
Bob Gassoff St. Louis Blues 3 October 1, 1977
Bernie Geoffrion Montreal Canadiens 5 March 11, 2006 [6]
Eddie Giacomin New York Rangers 1 March 15, 1989
Rod Gilbert New York Rangers 7 October 14, 1979
Clark Gillies New York Islanders 9 December 7, 1996 [25]
Doug Gilmour Toronto Maple Leafs 93 October 15, 2016 [2]
Bill Goldsworthy Minnesota North Stars 8 February 15, 1992 [14]
Adam Graves New York Rangers 9 February 3, 2009 [26]
Wayne Gretzky Edmonton Oilers 99 October 1, 1999
Wayne Gretzky Los Angeles Kings 99 October 9, 2002 [18]
Glenn Hall Chicago Blackhawks 1 November 20, 1988
Al Hamilton Edmonton Oilers 3 October 10, 1980
Doug Harvey Montreal Canadiens 2 October 26, 1985 [6]
Dominik Hasek Buffalo Sabres 39 January 13, 2015 [27]
Lionel Hitchman Boston Bruins 3 February 22, 1934
Tim Horton Buffalo Sabres 2 January 5, 1996 [24]
Tim Horton Toronto Maple Leafs 7 October 15, 2016 [2]
Gordie Howe Detroit Red Wings 9 March 12, 1972
Mark Howe Philadelphia Flyers 2 March 6, 2012 [28]
Harry Howell New York Rangers 3 February 22, 2009
Bobby Hull Chicago Blackhawks 9 December 18, 1983
Brett Hull St. Louis Blues 16 December 5, 2006 [29]
Dale Hunter Washington Capitals 32 March 11, 2000 [30]
Red Kelly Toronto Maple Leafs 4 October 15, 2016 [2]
Ted Kennedy Toronto Maple Leafs 9 October 15, 2016 [2]
Dave Keon Toronto Maple Leafs 14 October 15, 2016 [2]
Jari Kurri Edmonton Oilers 17 October 6, 2001
Yvon Labre Washington Capitals 7 November 7, 1981 [30]
Elmer Lach Montreal Canadiens 16 December 4, 2009
Guy Lafleur Montreal Canadiens 10 February 16, 1985 [6]
Pat LaFontaine Buffalo Sabres 16 March 3, 2006 [24]
Rod Langway Washington Capitals 5 November 26, 1997 [30]
Guy Lapointe Montreal Canadiens 5 November 8, 2014 [31]
Brian Leetch New York Rangers 2 January 24, 2008
Mario Lemieux Pittsburgh Penguins 66 November 19, 1997
Nicklas Lidstrom Detroit Red Wings 5 March 6, 2014 [32]
Trevor Linden Vancouver Canucks 16 December 17, 2008
Ted Lindsay Detroit Red Wings 7 November 10, 1991
Al MacInnis St. Louis Blues 2 April 9, 2006
Keith Magnuson Chicago Blackhawks 3 November 12, 2008
Frank Mahovlich Toronto Maple Leafs 27 October 15, 2016 [2]
Rick Martin Buffalo Sabres 7 November 15, 1995 [24]
Bill Masterton Minnesota North Stars 19 January 17, 1987 [14]
Lanny McDonald Calgary Flames 9 March 17, 1990
Mark Messier New York Rangers 11 January 12, 2006 [33]
Mark Messier Edmonton Oilers 11 February 27, 2007 [33]
Stan Mikita Chicago Blackhawks 21 October 19, 1980
Minnesota Wild Fans[Notes 2] Minnesota Wild 1 October 11, 2000 [34]
Mike Modano Dallas Stars 9 March 8, 2014 [35]
Dickie Moore Montreal Canadiens 12 November 12, 2005 [6]
Howie Morenz Montreal Canadiens 7 November 2, 1937 [6]
Markus Naslund Vancouver Canucks 19 December 11, 2010
Scott Niedermayer New Jersey Devils 27 December 16, 2011
Cam Neely Boston Bruins 8 January 12, 2004
Bob Nystrom New York Islanders 23 April 1, 1995 [25]
Terry O'Reilly Boston Bruins 24 October 24, 2002
Bobby Orr Boston Bruins 4 January 9, 1979
Bernie Parent Philadelphia Flyers 1 October 11, 1979 [5]
Gilbert Perreault Buffalo Sabres 11 October 17, 1990 [24]
Pierre Pilote Chicago Blackhawks 3 November 12, 2008
Barclay Plager St. Louis Blues 8 March 24, 1981
Jacques Plante Montreal Canadiens 1 October 7, 1995 [6]
Denis Potvin New York Islanders 5 February 1, 1992 [25]
Henri Richard Montreal Canadiens 16 December 10, 1975 [6]
Maurice Richard Montreal Canadiens 9 October 6, 1960 [6]
Mike Richter New York Rangers 35 February 4, 2004
Rene Robert Buffalo Sabres 14 November 15, 1995 [24]
Larry Robinson Montreal Canadiens 19 November 19, 2007 [6]
Luc Robitaille Los Angeles Kings 20 January 20, 2007 [18]
Patrick Roy Colorado Avalanche 33 October 28, 2003 [36]
Patrick Roy Montreal Canadiens 33 November 22, 2008
Joe Sakic Colorado Avalanche 19 October 1, 2009
Borje Salming Toronto Maple Leafs 21 October 15, 2016 [2]
Denis Savard Chicago Blackhawks 18 March 19, 1998
Serge Savard Montreal Canadiens 18 November 18, 2006 [6]
Terry Sawchuk Detroit Red Wings 1 March 6, 1994
Milt Schmidt Boston Bruins 15 March 13, 1980
Teemu Selanne Anaheim Ducks 8 January 11, 2015 [37]
Eddie Shore Boston Bruins 2 April 1, 1947
Darryl Sittler Toronto Maple Leafs 27 October 15, 2016 [2]
Billy Smith New York Islanders 31 February 20, 1993 [38]
Stan Smyl Vancouver Canucks 12 November 3, 1991 [39]
Martin St. Louis Tampa Bay Lightning 26 January 13, 2017
Scott Stevens New Jersey Devils 4 February 3, 2006 [40]
Mats Sundin Toronto Maple Leafs 13 October 15, 2016 [2]
Brian Sutter St. Louis Blues 11 December 30, 1988
Dave Taylor Los Angeles Kings 18 April 3, 1995 [18]
Bill Torrey[Notes 3] Florida Panthers 93 October 23, 2010
Bryan Trottier New York Islanders 19 October 20, 2001 [25]
Rogatien Vachon Los Angeles Kings 30 February 14, 1985 [18]
Mike Vernon Calgary Flames 30 February 7, 2007 [41]
Glen Wesley Carolina Hurricanes 2 February 17, 2009 [42]
Steve Yzerman Detroit Red Wings 19 January 2, 2007 [43]
  1. ^ Finnigan did not play for the current Senators franchise, which does not retain the history of the original team. The number he wore was retired because he played for the original Senators franchise and was active in campaigning to bring a new franchise to Ottawa.
  2. ^ The Minnesota Wild retired this number, even though no player wore #1 for the franchise.
  3. ^ The Florida Panthers retired the number 93 to honor president and general manager Bill Torrey because the team was founded in 1993. Torrey was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame as a builder in 1995.

Unofficially retired numbers

These numbers are not considered officially retired, but have still been removed from circulation.

Name Team No. Date Ref
Larry Aurie Detroit Red Wings 6 June 1, 1938 [44]
Red Berenson St. Louis Blues 7 2010
Vladimir Konstantinov Detroit Red Wings 16 1997
Steve Chiasson Carolina Hurricanes 3 1999
Gordie Howe Carolina Hurricanes 9 1997
Pelle Lindbergh Philadelphia Flyers 31 1985 [45]
Wayne Maki Vancouver Canucks 11 1974
Joe Mullen St. Louis Blues 7 2010
Chris Phillips Ottawa Senators 4 2016
Keith Tkachuk St. Louis Blues 7 2010
Garry Unger St. Louis Blues 7 2010
Doug Wickenheiser St. Louis Blues 14 2002

Honoured numbers

Unlike the numbers retired by the Flames these honoured numbers remain in circulation. Some of the numbers honoured by the Blues remain in circulation, while others have been removed from circulation without being officially retired.

Name Team No. Date Ref
Red Berenson St. Louis Blues 7 March 7, 2011 [46]
Wayne Gretzky Arizona Coyotes 99 October 8, 2005 [47]
Dale Hawerchuk Arizona Coyotes 10 April 5, 2007 [48][49]
Bobby Hull Arizona Coyotes 9 October 8, 2005 [48][50]
Al MacInnis Calgary Flames 2 February 27, 2012 [51]
Joe Mullen St. Louis Blues 7 March 7, 2011 [46]
Joe Nieuwendyk Calgary Flames 25 March 7, 2014 [52]
Teppo Numminen Arizona Coyotes 27 January 30, 2010 [53]
Bob Plager St. Louis Blues 5 [46]
Jeremy Roenick Arizona Coyotes 97 February 11, 2012 [53]
Thomas Steen Arizona Coyotes 25 January 21, 2006 [48]
Keith Tkachuk Arizona Coyotes 7 December 23, 2011 [53]
Keith Tkachuk St. Louis Blues 7 March 7, 2011 [46]
Garry Unger St. Louis Blues 7 March 7, 2011 [46]
Doug Wickenheiser St. Louis Blues 14 [46]

Former retired numbers

It is very rare for a team to reissue a retired number, and usually requires a special circumstance, such as a number being requested for a family member (such as Bobby Hull asking the Phoenix Coyotes to allow his son Brett to wear Bobby's number 9),[54] or the player for whom the number was retired coming out of retirement himself (such as Mario Lemieux).

In cases of franchise relocation, the handling of existing retired numbers is at the discretion of team management. They may decide to continue honouring the retired numbers, such as the Dallas Stars and Phoenix/Arizona Coyotes, or they may choose to make a "fresh start" and reissue the numbers, as the Colorado Avalanche and Carolina Hurricanes have done.

The Hurricanes have an unusual exception with regards to Gordie Howe's number 9. While the Hurricanes have not made any formal recognition of the Hartford Whalers' retirement of the number, they have kept the number out of circulation since their 1997 relocation.

Name Team No. Date Ref
Michel Goulet Quebec Nordiques 16 March 16, 1995
Gordie Howe Hartford Whalers 9 February 18, 1981
Bobby Hull Winnipeg Jets (1972–96) 9 February 19, 1989 [48][50]
Rick Ley Hartford Whalers 2 December 26, 1982
John McKenzie Hartford Whalers 19 1979
Peter Stastny Quebec Nordiques 26 February 26, 1996
Thomas Steen Winnipeg Jets (1972–96) 25 May 6, 1995 [48]
Marc Tardif Quebec Nordiques 8 November 1, 1983
J. C. Tremblay Quebec Nordiques 3 October 28, 1979

References

  1. ^ Associated Press (2009). "Oilers retire Anderson's No. 9". NHL.com. Retrieved 2009-02-17.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s NHL (2016). "Maple Leafs retire 11 jersey numbers at ceremony". NHL.com. Retrieved 2016-10-16.
  3. ^ "Flyers pay tribute to Barry Ashbee". AP. The Calgary Herald. October 13, 1977. Retrieved October 30, 2013.
  4. ^ "Saleski Scores 2 Goals As Flyers Top Hawks". The Milwaukee Sentinel. October 14, 1977. Retrieved October 30, 2013.
  5. ^ a b c "This Date in Flyers History: October 11". Philadelphia Flyers. October 11, 2012. Retrieved October 2, 2014.
  6. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n Montreal Canadiens (2008). "Montreal Canadiens retired numbers". Canadiens.com. Retrieved 2008-03-06.
  7. ^ Vecsey, George (1992-03-04). "Bossy Left His Numbers Behind Him". New York Times. Retrieved 2008-03-06.
  8. ^ "Kings To Retire Rob Blake's No. 4 Jersey In A Special Staples Center Ceremony In January". Kings.NHL.com. Los Angeles Kings. 2014-08-11. Retrieved 2015-01-18.
  9. ^ CBC Sports (2001-10-04). "Bourque's No. 77 retired". CBC.ca. Retrieved 2008-03-11.
  10. ^ CBC Sports (2001-08-14). "Avs retiring Bourque's No. 77". CBC.ca. Retrieved 2008-03-11.
  11. ^ Kovacevic, Dejan (2001-01-06). "Penguins Report: 01/06/01". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved 2008-03-06.
  12. ^ Yerdon, Joe (2010-07-15). "Hurricanes to retire Rod Brind'Amour's number in February". NBC Sports. Retrieved 2010-10-26.
  13. ^ Morreale, Mike G. (2015-10-06). "Devils to retire Brodeur's number before Feb. 9 game". NHL.com. Retrieved 2016-01-02.
  14. ^ a b c Dallas Stars (2008). "Dallas Stars retired numbers". DallasStars.com. Retrieved 2008-03-06.
  15. ^ Meltzer, Bill (November 27, 2007). "Great Moments: Bobby Clarke Night". Philadelphia Flyers. Retrieved October 2, 2014.
  16. ^ Associated Press (2005). "Edmonton retires defenseman Coffey's No. 7". ESPN. Retrieved 2008-03-06.
  17. ^ Associated Press (2006). "Devils to retire Daneyko's No. 3". ESPN. Retrieved 2008-04-22.
  18. ^ a b c d e "Kings Retired Numbers". Los Angeles Kings. Retrieved January 13, 2015.
  19. ^ Legends of Hockey (2007). "Frank Finnigan Page". LEgends of Hockey. Retrieved 2008-04-22.
  20. ^ Dater, Adrian. "Adam Foote to see his No 52 retired by Avalanche". Denver Post.
  21. ^ Dater, Adrian. "Avalanche opens vs. Red Wings with tribute to Peter Forsberg Read more: Avalanche opens vs. Red Wings with tribute to Peter Forsberg". Denver Post. Retrieved 9 October 2011.
  22. ^ Associated Press (2006). "Hurricanes honor Ron Francis, retire his No. 10". ESPN. Retrieved 2008-04-22.
  23. ^ Shea, Kevin (2007). "One on One with Grant Fuhr". Legends of Hockey. Retrieved 2008-04-22.
  24. ^ a b c d e f Buffalo Sabres (2008). "Buffalo Sabres retired numbers". Sabres.com. Retrieved 2008-03-06.
  25. ^ a b c d New York Islanders (2008). "Key Islander Dates". NewYorkIslanders.com. Retrieved 2008-03-11.
  26. ^ Zinsler, Lynn (2009-02-02). "Graves Was Standout on and Off the Ice". New York Times. Retrieved 2009-02-17.
  27. ^ Sabres to retire Hasek's number before Jan. 13 game
  28. ^ "Flyers to retire Howe's No. 2". Philadelphia Flyers. March 5, 2012. Retrieved October 2, 2014.
  29. ^ Associated Press (2006). "Blues to retire Hull's No. 16 jersey in December". ESPN. Retrieved 2008-04-22.
  30. ^ a b c Washington Capitals (2008). "Washington Capitals retired numbers". WashingtonCaps.com. Retrieved 2008-03-06.
  31. ^ "Guy Lapointe will be honoured on November 8". canadiens.com. Montreal Canadiens. 2014-09-12. Retrieved 2014-10-12.
  32. ^ Red Wings to retire Nicklas Lidstrom’s #5
  33. ^ a b Tony Care and Rob Sinclair (2006). "Honouring No. 11". CBC.ca. Retrieved 2008-04-22.
  34. ^ "This Day in MN Hockey History: October 11". Minnesota Hockey Magazine. October 11, 2014. Retrieved July 2, 2015.
  35. ^ Stepneski, Mark (2013-06-06). "Nine To Be Raised To The Rafters". Dallas Stars official website. Retrieved 2013-06-06.
  36. ^ ESPN (2003). "Avalanche retire Roy's No. 33". ESPN. Retrieved 2008-03-11.
  37. ^ Ducks to retire Selanne's No. 8 on Jan. 11 vs. Jets
  38. ^ Lapointe, Joe (1993-02-20). "This Time, His Number Will Raise to the Roof". New York Times. Retrieved 2008-03-11.
  39. ^ Vancouver Canucks (2008). "Stan Smyl Profile on Canucks.com". Canucks.com. Retrieved 2008-03-06.
  40. ^ CBC Sports (2006-02-04). "Devils honour Scott Stevens". CBC.ca. Retrieved 2008-04-22.
  41. ^ Canadian Press (2006-11-30). "Flames retiring Mike Vernon's No. 30". CBC.ca. Retrieved 2008-04-22.
  42. ^ Associated Press (2009). "Hurricanes honor Wesley, retire No. 2". NHL.com. Retrieved 2009-02-17.
  43. ^ Allen, Kevin (2007-01-03). "Red Wings retire Yzerman's No. 19 jersey". USA Today. Retrieved 2008-03-06.
  44. ^ http://kuklaskorner.com/hockey/comments/ilitch_celebrates_yzerman_desecrates_aurie
  45. ^ Seravalli, Frank (November 11, 2010). "Pelle Lindbergh's spirit lives on, 25 years after fatal crash". Philadelphia Daily News. Retrieved October 2, 2014. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  46. ^ a b c d e f St. Louis Blues. "History". blues.nhl.com. Retrieved 2012-11-09.
  47. ^ "Arizona Coyotes – Team". Arizona Coyotes. Retrieved July 2, 2015.
  48. ^ a b c d e Arizona Coyotes 2014–2015 Media Guide, p.294
  49. ^ Vest, Dave (March 4, 2014). "Coyotes Add Erat on Night Before Trade Deadline". Arizona Coyotes. Retrieved July 2, 2015.
  50. ^ a b "'Yotes Notes: Gagner Embraces Pressure of Providing Offense". Arizona Coyotes. September 19, 2014. Retrieved July 2, 2015.
  51. ^ Vickers, Aaron (2012-02-28). "'Forever a Flame', MacInnis savours special moment". National Hockey League. Retrieved 2012-03-01.
  52. ^ Cruickshank, Scott (2014-02-07). "Nieuwendyk will be Forever a Flame". Calgary Herald. Retrieved 2014-02-07.
  53. ^ a b c Arizona Coyotes 2014–2015 Media Guide, p.295
  54. ^ "BOBBY HULL UN-RETIRES NO. 9 FOR SON BRETT HULL". Phoenix Coyotes. October 8, 2005. Retrieved July 2, 2015.