The Pittsburgh Penguins, one of the most storied franchises in NHL history, have seen a plethora of remarkable players donning their iconic jerseys over the years. Each jersey number carries its own legacy, showcasing the immense talent and contributions of the players who have worn them. In this series, we will delve into the history of the Penguins by highlighting the best player to wear each jersey number from #1 to #100, celebrating their impact on the team and its fans.
Starting with numbers 1 to 10, we look at some of the standout players who have left a lasting mark on the Penguins’ franchise.
Jim Paek, who wore the #2 jersey during his time with the Penguins from 1990 to 1994, stands out as the best player to have donned that number. Paek was a crucial member of the team’s defense during their back-to-back Stanley Cup victories in 1991 and 1992. His steady defensive play and reliability on the blue line made him a valuable asset to the Penguins. Paek tallied 30 points, with 4 goals and 26 assists in over 170 games with the team. He is also notable for being the first Korean-born NHL player and Stanley Cup winner, further solidifying his place in Penguins history.
Honourable mentions for the #2 jersey include Hal Gill and Chad Ruhwedel, who also made significant contributions on the blue line for the Penguins.
Moving on to the #3 jersey, Olli Maatta stands out as the top player to have worn that number for the Penguins. Maatta played for the team from 2013 to 2019, showcasing his solid defensive play and occasional offensive contributions. He played in 362 regular-season games, scoring 25 goals and 82 assists for a total of 107 points. Maatta was a key player during the Penguins’ back-to-back Stanley Cup victories in 2016 and 2017, proving his reliability in high-pressure situations.
Honourable mentions for the #3 jersey include Doug Bodger and Alex Goligoski, who also made significant impacts on the Penguins’ defensive core.
In the goaltender position, Johan Hedberg takes the top spot for wearing the #1 jersey. Although goalies usually have higher numbers, Hedberg’s standout performance in net for the Penguins earned him the recognition as the best to have worn the #1 jersey for the team.
Moving on to number 4, Larry Murphy is widely regarded as the best player to have worn that jersey for the Penguins. Murphy played a crucial role in the team’s defense during his tenure from 1990 to 1995, helping them secure back-to-back Stanley Cup victories in 1991 and 1992. Known for his exceptional playmaking abilities and offensive contributions from the blue line, Murphy amassed 301 points in 336 regular-season games with the Penguins.
Honourable mentions for the #4 jersey include Justin Schultz and Rob Scuderi, who also made significant contributions to the Penguins’ defensive group.
As we continue to explore the history of the Pittsburgh Penguins through their jersey numbers, we honor the players who have made indelible marks on the franchise and its fans. Stay tuned for the next installment of the best Penguins players by jersey numbers!
