While a hockey number is used simply to identify players to fans, commentators, referees, and each other, most hockey players will tell you that it’s much more than that. Players get attached to their numbers, and as a players career develops it becomes part of their identity.
Everyone knows that #99 belongs to Wayne Gretzky, and most would say #66 belongs to Mario (although Josh Ho-Sang may have something to say about it). Other numbers such as 4, 9, and 87 come with particular players associated with them as well, and some numbers become so important to a franchise that they get raised to the rafters and retired.
The issue comes when there is a sudden clash in numbers. When a player gets traded from one team to another, they would ideally bring along their number with them. Sometimes, though, the number is not available. In these cases it is up to the players to decide who dons the doubled-up number, with veteran players usually taking precedent over younger, more unestablished players. For example, this was the case when Patrick Marleau went to the Leafs and and overtook his longtime #12 from youngster Connor Brown.
During Trade Deadline Monday, another clash took place when veteran Paul Stastny was traded to the Winnipeg Jets. While the trade was generally well-received by Jets’ nation, it came with one hiccup – Stastny’s longtime #26 was already taken by Jets’ veteran and captain Blake Wheeler.
Apparently, it didn’t turn out to be much of a problem at all. Wheeler kindly offered #26 to Stastny, whose father and NHL legend Peter wore the same number. Stastny politely declined, and instead opted to wear #25.
Overall it looks like Jets fans have a lot to be excited about, especially since that #26 bullet was dodged in such a friendly manner.
(H/T Sara Orlesky)
