Sweater numbers are synonymous with players. Most hockey fans can instantly tell you a great player by the number they wear on their back. There are many different stories about how players became associated with the famous numbers. Many odd and interesting facts surround these numbers as well. As we count down the start of the 2023-24 NHL season, we take a look at the story behind the numbers. Today we continue with sweater number 77. Keep up to date with the series everyday until the start of the 2023-24 NHL season.
Behind the Sweater Number: 77
Hall of Fame 77
According to Hockey Reference, sweater number 77 has been worn by 54 players in NHL history. Many of the number in recent days haven’t had a lot of players wear that number. However, 77 has been an iconic number with a longer history than most.
Phil Esposito had worn seven for the start of his career with the Chicago Blackhawks and Boston Bruins. However, that would change when Esposito was part of a blockbuster trade involving Jean Ratelle and Brad Park. Esposito couldn’t wear seven because future Hall of Famer Rod Gilbert had the number. There would be a couple of different numbers in five and 12 before “Espo” settle on 77.
Esposito wasn’t well-liked by New York fans, but won them over eventually. He’d finish with 184 of his 717 goals in a Rangers sweater and become general manager for a spell.
Coffey and Bourque
Paul Coffey
Two great defenceman came in around same time and became two of the greatest blueliners in league history. Both Paul Coffey and Ray Bourque were two of the best defencemen to play the game. They both had plenty in common and many debates surrounding who’s better have happened over the years.
Both players actually started off with seven at the start of their respective careers. Coffey wore seven with the dynamic Edmonton Oilers teams of the 80s. He won three Stanley Cups and a pair of Norris Trophies with the Oilers. However, he’d leave the club over a monetary dispute and join the Pittsburgh Penguins. Rod Buskas wore seven and offered the number to Coffey, but Coffey declined. The Weston, Ontario wore sweater number 77 at the Canada Cup and stuck with it. Coffey would wear 74 in his last stop with the Bruins out of respect to Bourque.
Ray Bourque
Bourque had also started his career off with number seven when he broke in with Boston. He’d made a good career out of being another great Bruin to don the number. However, he knew he had to do the right thing and change numbers. Esposito had made the number famous and Bruins’ management wanted to retire seven.
Harry Sinden, Bourque and company cooked up a plan to unveil sweater number 77 after warmups. Bourque had started warmups with seven, but eventually took off the sweater to reveal his number. He’d carve out a good career with 77 in his own right and would finally get rewarded with a Stanley Cup at the end of his career with the Colorado Avalanche.
The 77 Greatness Continues
That Hall of Fame trio would be good enough for any number, but there are more great players to wear sweater number 77. Hall of Famer Adam Oates wore 12, 31, and 34 before getting 77 with the Washington Capitals. Oates would rack up 1,420 points over his illustrious career. Recently-elected Hall of Famer Pierre Turgeon netted 515 goals over his lengthy career. He wore sweater number 77 except for two seasons with the Avalanche when he wore 87.
Victor Hedman has been a staple of the Stanley Cup winners for the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Swede took over the number from Chris Gratton in the 2009-10 season. Hedman also a Norris Trophy and Conn Smythe to his great resume. T.J. Oshie has carried on the great 77 legacy for the Capitals and won a Cup for them. Jeff Carter has carved out a nice career and won two titles with the Los Angeles Kings.
The Future of 77
Sweater number 77 has a great past to live up to, but there are some good players wearing that number. Kirby Dach has become a key part of a fun Montreal Canadiens squad. J.J Peterka also some good promise with an upstart Buffalo Sabres team.
The number 77 has a glorious history, but it can keep going. Many young players will see Hedman, Oshie and also look to the past to carry on the legacy.
Main photo by: Bruce Bennett/Getty Images
