In the realm of Vancouver Canucks hockey lore, the task of identifying the team’s best player by jersey number has often been a simple one. High numbers were typically assigned to rookies and fringe players, while established stars shied away from standing out too much by opting for more traditional numbers below 30.
However, one player who bucked this trend was Todd Bertuzzi. Arriving in Vancouver amidst high expectations as the key return in the trade for fan favorite Trevor Linden, Bertuzzi quickly made his mark alongside Bryan McCabe. While McCabe would eventually depart via trade, Bertuzzi’s impact on the Canucks was undeniable.
Initially a burly fourth-line winger with a knack for finding the back of the net, Bertuzzi’s transformation into a top-line forward is a testament to the importance of all-around skills in hockey. Despite his imposing physical presence, it was his skating and scoring touch that propelled him to the forefront of the Canucks’ lineup and into the team’s history books.
Of course, Bertuzzi’s time in Vancouver is also marred by the infamous incident involving Steve Moore, which prematurely ended his tenure with the team. Despite this dark chapter, Bertuzzi’s contributions on the ice cannot be overlooked, as evidenced by his impressive totals of 188 goals and 449 points in just 518 games as a Canuck.
While the selection of the Canucks’ best player by jersey number has traditionally been a straightforward task, one recent standout has made the decision far more challenging. Quinn Hughes, despite his relatively short tenure with the team, has already established himself as the premier player to don the number 43 jersey, a title he claimed after just five games in the 2018-19 season.
In just six seasons – or five seasons and five games, to be precise – Hughes has amassed an impressive 333 points in 365 games, placing him within striking distance of the Canucks’ all-time leader, Alexander Edler. Notably, Hughes’ scoring prowess from the blue line has set new standards for Canucks defensemen, further solidifying his status as a rising star in the league.
Although the number 44 briefly found itself on the back of Aatu Räty during Hughes’ absence, it is clear that no one can lay claim to the legacy established by Bertuzzi during his time with the Canucks. As the team continues to evolve and new stars emerge, the debate over the Canucks’ best player by number is sure to spark spirited discussion among fans and analysts alike.
