The Best NHL Players To Have Their Numbers Retired
These are the best NHL players to have their numbers retired by the team where they made the biggest impact. Not every player in the NHL gets their number retired, it is an honor bestowed upon the best players of a franchise. Both the Maples Leafs and Canadiens have the most retired jerseys, with 18 numbers never to be worn again by players on those teams. Wayne Gretzky’s number 99 is retired league-wide. Does that mean he will be voted to the top of this list? While all of these hockey players are great at the game, having your number retired does not automatically get you into the Hockey Hall of Fame. Players on this list that have been elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame are noted.
Look below to see all the numbers retired in the NHL and if your favorite player has had their number retired. Then vote up the players that you think played the game the best. This list does not have current players because they are still using their numbers and it does not have numbers that were retired for coaches, managers, or owners. This list is for players only and will determine the best NHL players to have had their number retired.
Number: 99 (retired league-wide)
Years With Franchise: 1978–1999
Elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Number: 9
Years With Franchise: 1946–1971, 1973–1980, 1997
Elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Number: 4
Years With Franchise: 1966–1978
Elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Number: 66
Years With Franchise: 1984–1997, 2000–2006
Elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Number: 9
Years With Franchise: 1942–1960
Elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Number: 1
Years With Franchise: 1952–1975
Elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame.