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 22s in NHL/WHL history by looking at the players that wore the number that are in the Hockey Hall of Fame.
- Max Bentley
- Glenn Hall
- Pierre Pilote
- Brad Park
- Mike Bossy
- Steve Shutt
- Mike Gartner
- Al MacInnis
- Brett Hull
- Brian Leetch
- Dino Ciccarelli
- Willie O'Ree
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 22 there are these:
- Mike Bossy New York Islanders March 3, 1992
- Willie O'Ree[Notes 3] Boston Bruins January 18, 2022
- Daniel Sedin Vancouver Canucks February 12, 2020
A Hockey Scoring Machine Carved in Ice ‣ Mike Bossy
Michael Dean Bossy, born in 1957, didn't just play hockey, he redefined it with his sniper-like precision and unmatched goal-scoring prowess. This Canadian legend spent his entire 10-year NHL career with the New York Islanders, etching his name not only in franchise history but in the annals of the sport itselfHis journey began in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, where his raw talent was unmistakable. He shattered scoring records, earning the Rookie of the Year title and becoming a coveted prospect. Drafted 15th overall in 1977 by the Islanders, some doubted his ability to translate his junior dominance to the big leagues. But Bossy silenced the doubters quickly.
He exploded onto the NHL scene in the 1977-78 season, shattering the rookie goal-scoring record with 53 goals, earning the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year. This was just the beginning. He went on to score 9 consecutive 50-goal seasons, a feat equaled only by Wayne Gretzky and Alexander Ovechkin.
Bossy wasn't a solo act. He formed a lethal partnership with center Bryan Trottier, and together they fueled the Islanders' dominance in the early 1980s. The duo, along with Clark Gillies and Denis Potvin, formed the legendary "Four Lines" core that led the Islanders to four consecutive Stanley Cup championships (1981-1984). In the playoffs, Bossy's clutch performances were unmatched, earning him the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP in 1982.
While his goalscoring was legendary, Bossy was more than just a sniper. He had a complete offensive skillset, with a deceptive slap shot, uncanny hand-eye coordination, and a knack for finding open ice. He was a fierce competitor, a team player, and a respected leader.
Unfortunately, a back injury cut short his brilliant career in 1987.
