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 52. Keep up to date with the series everyday until the start of the 2023-24 NHL season.
Behind the Sweater Number: 52
The First 52s
According to Hockey Reference, 81 players have worn sweater number 52. Hockey Reference lists Dave Lewis as the first player to wear the number in the 1986-87 season. Lewis wore the number for the Detroit Red Wings and would eventually coach the club after Scotty Bowman retired.
The next player to take the number was Cam Russell with the Chicago Blackhawks in the 1989-90 season. Russell would have the number for 19 games before shifting over to the number eight the next season. Petr Prajser would wear the number for his final two games in the NHL with the Boston Bruins in the 1991-92 season. However, there would be a famous 52 to step onto the ice that same season.
Putting Your Best Foote Forward
Adam Foote debuted with the Quebec Nordiques in the 1991-92 season. The defenceman would play in 46 games for the Nordiques, but he was only getting warmed up. Foote would grow into one of the best defenders on the team and a key part of the franchise’s growth.
The Toronto native would be a vital part of the team’s two Stanley Cup wins when the team became the Colorado Avalanche. Foote would only reach 30 points one time in his career. However, he would be the lockdown blueliner that was a force.
Foote would have his sweater number 52 retired in the 2013-14 season. He would be the only player to wear the number in franchise history. Foote has become an assistant coach and his son, Callan Foote, plays in the league. And yes, the younger Foote has worn 52 for his whole career.
Cameos
Hall of Famer Dave Andreychuk wore sweater number 52 with the Buffalo Sabres in the 2000-01 season. Nick Cousins debuted with the digits during his rookie season with the Philadelphia Flyers. Hudson Fasching also opened his career with 52 with Buffalo.
Jack Roslovic had the number for two seasons with the Winnipeg Jets while Sean Kuraly had the number for the Bruins. Arthur Kailyev started with 52 with the Los Angeles Kings. However, he’d switch to number 34.
Other 52s and the Future
There were a number of solid players that wore 52 in NHL history. Mike Green was a solid offensive defenceman at his peak with the Washington Capitals. Jonathan Ericsson played his entire 680-game NHL career with the Red Wings. Craig Rivet and Matt Irwin each played with the number 52 as journeyman defencemen.
The future has players like Noel Acciari and Jonatan Berggren as current players the wear sweater number 52. Emil Bemstrom and Justin Barron are also two players to look for that wear 52. There’s a huge legacy to live up to with sweater number 52 thanks to Adam Foote.
Main photo by: Bruce Bennett/Getty Images
