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 19s in NHL/WHL history by looking at the players that wore the number that are in the Hockey Hall of Fame.
- Bert Olmstead
- Jean Ratelle
- Keith Allen
- Larry Robinson
- Bryan Trottier
- Brian Kilrea
- Murray Costello
- Steve Yzerman
- Joe Sakic
- Brendan Shanahan
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 19 there is but one:
- Shane Doan Arizona Coyotes February 24, 2019
- Bill Masterton Dallas Stars January 17, 1987
- Markus Naslund Vancouver Canucks December 11, 2010
- Jean Ratelle New York Rangers February 25, 2018
- Larry Robinson Montreal Canadiens November 19, 2007
- Joe Sakic Colorado Avalanche October 1, 2009
- Bryan Trottier New York Islanders October 20, 2001
- Steve Yzerman Detroit Red Wings January 2, 2007
Brendan Shanahan's Legacy in Ice Hockey
Brendan Shanahan's hockey career was a tapestry woven with dazzling goals, bone-crunching hits, and a controversial edge. From his early days as a prolific scorer to his transformative role as an NHL executive, Shanahan left an indelible mark on the game.Scoring Machine: Drafted third overall in 1987, Shanahan's offensive prowess was undeniable. He amassed over 650 goals in his 21-year career, ranking 13th all-time. His powerful slap shot and relentless work ethic made him a nightmare for goalies.
Bert Olmstead
Born September 4, 1926, in Sceptre, Saskatchewan, was Hockey Hall of Fame Left Wing, Bert Olmstead. This legend was part of the Stanley Cup Champion Montreal Canadiens 1953, 56, 57, 58; Toronto Maple Leafs 1962. Olmstead began his career with the Black Hawks in 1949. In December 1950, he was traded to the Montreal Canadiens via Detroit.Olmstead was a physical player who was known for his hard-nosed style of play. He was also a skilled scorer. Bert played in 11 Stanley Cup Finals in his 14-year NHL career, winning five times. He retired with 181 goals and 421 assists for 602 points in 848 games. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1985.
