Our mission to preserve the history of pro hockey through the sweater uniform numbers players wear is to objectively come up with a list of the greatest players at each number based on their career performance. This look is based on facts and statistics gathered as of 1/1/2022.
Let us start our journey on identifying the greatest number 10s in NHL/WHL history by looking at the players that wore the number that are in the Hockey Hall of Fame.
- Didier Pitre
- Ted Kennedy
- Tom Johnson
- George Armstrong
- Alex Delvecchio
- Frank Mahovlich
- Allan Stanley
- Jean Ratelle
- Guy Lafleur
- Fern Flaman
- Edgar Laprade
- Glen Sather
- Dale Hawerchuk
- Ron Francis
- Glenn Anderson
- Pavel Bure
Our next bit of recognition is of the players who have had the number retired by clubs that they played for along with the date of the number being officially retired. For the number 10 they are:
- Syl Apps Toronto Maple Leafs October 15, 2016
- George Armstrong Toronto Maple Leafs October 15, 2016
- Pavel Bure Vancouver Canucks November 2, 2013
- Alex Delvecchio Detroit Red Wings November 10, 1991
- Ron Francis Carolina Hurricanes January 28, 2006
- Guy Lafleur Montreal Canadiens February 16, 1985
The Captain Syl Apps, Icon of Toronto Maple Leafs
In the annals of Toronto Maple Leafs lore, few names shimmer brighter than Syl Apps. "The Captain," as he was known, wasn't just a prolific scorer or a fierce competitor; he was the embodiment of Maple Leafs grit, a symbol of Toronto pride during the team's golden age.Emerging from Ontario, Apps' talent blossomed early. His smooth skating and pinpoint shooting catapulted him to the NHL in 1936, where he immediately electrified Maple Leaf Gardens. His offensive prowess was undeniable: a Calder Trophy for Rookie of the Year, four Lady Byng Trophies for gentlemanly play, and a Hart Trophy as league MVP cemented his status as a star.
But Apps was more than just goals. He led by example, a tenacious captain who demanded excellence from himself and his teammates. His relentless work ethic and infectious enthusiasm galvanized the locker room, forging a championship-caliber unit. Apps wasn't afraid to get his hands dirty, fearlessly battling in the corners and inspiring comebacks with his fiery spirit.
His leadership culminated in the 1942 Stanley Cup victory, an iconic moment etched in Maple Leafs history. Apps, hoisting the trophy aloft, became the embodiment of Toronto's hockey dreams realized. The image of him, sweat-soaked and jubilant, remains a cherished artifact of the team's legacy.
Though injuries cut short his prime, Apps' impact extended beyond stats. He served as Ontario's Minister of Correctional Services, bridging the gap between sports and public service. He returned to the Maple Leafs organization, sharing his wisdom and passion with a new generation of players.
Syl Apps wasn't just a hockey player; he was a cultural icon. His name carries the weight of a golden era, a time when the Maple Leafs ruled the ice and Toronto pulsated with hockey fever. He embodies the grit, the talent, and the unwavering spirit that make the Maple Leafs so cherished.
