The Penguins have had many talented hockey players wearing their logo. This article analyzes the best Penguins by sweater numbers #41-50. Entering the 40’s, the Pittsburgh Penguins have had many important role players in the range covered in this article. From shut-down defenceman to critical utility forwards, the following players have contributed enough to be recognized as the Penguin’s best players at their respective jersey numbers.
Best Penguins by the Jersey Numbers: 41-50
#41 – Robert Bortuzzo
Shut-down defenceman Robert Bortuzzo stands out as the best player to wear the #41 jersey for the Pittsburgh Penguins. Playing for the Penguins from 2011 to 2015, Bortuzzo brought physicality and grit to the team’s blue line. Over his time with the team, he recorded 4 goals and 16 assists, totalling 20 points in 113 games. Known for his defensive play and hard-nosed play, Bortuzzo accumulated 171 penalty minutes with the team. His contributions on defence and physical presence made him a reliable player for the Penguins.
Honourable Mentions: Daniel Sprong (Right Wing) – 9 points in 42 games. Shane Endicott (Centre) – 5 points in 45 games.
#42 – Kasperi Kapanen
Kasperi Kapanen‘s contributions as both as a trade asset and later player help him stand out as the best player to wear the #42 jersey for the Pittsburgh Penguins. A dynamic winger, Kapanen initially left Pittsburgh as a key piece in the trade that brought Phil Kessel to the Penguins. This trade significantly contributed to the team’s back-to-back Stanley Cup victories in 2016 and 2017. Returning to the Penguins through trade in 2020, Kapanen showcased his offensive skills and versatility. During his tenure, he recorded 29 goals and 53 assists, totaling 82 points in 162 games. His speed and scoring ability added depth to the Penguins’ lineup, making him a valuable asset during his time with the team. Kapanen’s journey from a trade piece to an impactful player cement his place as the top player to have worn the #42 jersey for the Penguins.
Honourable Mentions: Dustin Jeffrey (Centre) – 28 points in 100 games. Tuomas Gronman (Defenceman) – 3 points in 22 games.
#43 – Conor Sheary
Conor Sheary is the best player to wear the #43 sweater for the Pittsburgh Penguins. Playing for the Penguins from 2015 to 2020, Sheary was a crucial part of the team’s back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2016 and 2017. Known for his speed and tenacity, Sheary found a spot on Sidney Crosby‘s wing during the 2016 playoff run. His chemistry with Crosby was instrumental to the team’s success. One of his most memorable moments came when he scored the overtime winner in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final against the San Jose Sharks to take a 2-0 series lead early on. Over his tenure with the Penguins, Sheary recorded 49 goals and 48 assists, totaling 97 points in 192 games. His contributions on the Penguins’ championship teams make Conor Sheary the top player to have worn the #43 jersey for the Penguins.
Honourable Mentions: Tomas Surovy (Centre) – 59 points in 126 games. Danton Heinen (Left Wing) – 55 points in 141 games.
#44 – Brooks Orpik
As the long-time backbone of the Penguins defence, Brooks Orpik is the best player to wear the #44 sweater for the Pittsburgh Penguins. A stalwart defenceman, Orpik played for the Penguins from 2002 to 2014, bringing stability and grit to the blue line. Over his 703 games with the team, Orpik recorded 13 goals and 119 assists, totaling 132 points. Known for his physical style of play and his role as a shutdown defenceman, Orpik was a mainstay in the Penguins’ defensive core. His contributions were crucial to the team’s success, including their Stanley Cup victory in 2009. Orpik’s longevity and presence on the ice earn him his place as the top player to have worn the #44 jersey for the Penguins.
Honourale Mentions: Rob Brown (Right Wing) – 342 points in 414 games. Jan Rutta (Defenceman) – 9 points in 56 games.
#45 – Robert Scuderi
“The Piece” Robert Scuderi is the best player to wear the #45 sweater for the Pittsburgh Penguins. During his first stint with the Penguins from 2003 to 2009, Scuderi was an integral part of the team’s defensive core, playing a crucial role in their 2009 Stanley Cup victory. Although his second run with the Penguins later in his career wasn’t as productive, it was during his initial tenure that he truly shined. Ultimately, he was moved to Chicago for Trevor Daley. Daley would play a crucial role in the 2016 and 2017 Cup runs. Over his time with the Penguins, Scuderi played 460 games, recording 57 points. His contributions during the 2009 Cup run and his steady presence on the blue line clinch Robert Scuderi’s place as the top player to have worn the #45 jersey for the Penguins.
Honourable Mentions: Josh Archibald (Right Wing) – 15 points in 76 games. Arron Asham (Right Wing) – 27 points in 108 games.
#46 – Zach Aston-Reese
Zach Aston-Reese’s defensive contributions give him the honours of best player to wear the #46 jersey for the Pittsburgh Penguins. Playing as a left winger from 2017 to 2022, Aston-Reese became known for his gritty play and defensive reliability. Over his 213 games with the Penguins, he recorded 29 goals and 33 assists, totaling 62 points. Aston-Reese was an integral part a formidable fourth line, alongside Brandon Tanev and Teddy Blueger. This line was known for its relentless energy, defensive prowess, and ability to shut down opponents. Aston-Reese’s impact on the team’s depth and defensive play make him the top player to have worn the #46 jersey for the Penguins.
Honourable Mentions: Joe Vitale (Centre) – 35 points in 163 games. Viktors Ignatjevs (Defenceman) – 1 point in 11 games.
#47 – Simon Despres
Simon Despres is the best player to wear the #47 sweater for the Pittsburgh Penguins due to his production and role as a trade asset. Despres played for the Penguins from 2011 to 2015. Known for his size and skating ability, he contributed well to the team’s defensive efforts. Over 144 games with the Penguins, Despres recorded 5 goals and 28 assists, totaling 33 points. Despite his potential to become a premier defenseman, Despres’ career was significantly hampered by injuries. He was eventually traded to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for Ben Lovejoy. The defenceman played an important role in the Penguins’ 2016 Stanley Cup run. Nonetheless, Despres’ contributions to the team get him the spot as the top player to have worn the #47 jersey for the Penguins.
Honourable Mentions: Adam Johnson (Centre).
#48 – Tyler Kennedy
Tyler Kennedy stands out as the best player to wear the #48 sweater for the Pittsburgh Penguins. Kennedy was a contributor from 2007 to 2013, he was an integral part of the team’s third line during their 2009 Stanley Cup run playing alongside Matt Cooke and Jordan Staal. Known for his speed and energy, Kennedy provided depth and scoring ability to the Penguins’ lineup. Over 372 games with the Penguins, he recorded 76 goals and 92 assists, totaling 168 points. Beyond his on-ice contributions, Kennedy added additional value to the organization by being traded for the draft pick used to select current starting goaltender Tristan Jarry. His significant impact during the 2009 Cup run and his role in acquiring Jarry give him the place as the top player to have worn the #48 jersey for the Penguins.
Honourable Mentions: Konstantin Koltsov (Right Wing) – 38 points in 144 games. Valtteri Puustinen (Right Wing) – 21 points in 53 games.
#49 – Dominik Simon
Dominik Simon is the best player to wear the #49 jersey for the Pittsburgh Penguins. Playing for the team from 2015 to 2022, Simon demonstrated longevity and consistency with the team. Over his 228 games with the Penguins, he recorded 22 goals and 51 assists, totaling 73 points. Simon was known for his strong hockey IQ and versatility, often playing alongside Sidney Crosby. His ability to adapt to different line combinations up and down the lineup made him a valuable forward. Simon’s presence and contributions to the team make him the best player to have worn the #49 jersey for the Penguins.
Honourable Mentions: Brian Gibbons (Right Wing) – 17 points in 41 games. Greg Andrusak (Defenceman) – 5 points in 19 games.
#50 – Juuso Riikola
Juuso Riikola stands as the best player to wear #50 for the Penguins. Riikola, a defenceman signed as a free agent, showed potential when he joined the Pittsburgh Penguins. Over 80 games, he recorded 13 points and 18 penalty minutes. While he was expected to bring depth to the Penguins’ blue line, Riikola’s impact remained limited, and his potential never fully came to fruition. Despite this, his time with the team solidifies his place as the top player to have worn the #50 jersey for the Penguins.
Honourable Mentions: Martin Brochu (Goaltender) – 0 wins in 1 games. (No other Penguins wore #50).
The rich history the Penguins have written during their time in the league would not have been possible without the contributions of excellent utilty players. These ten players represent the best to have worn jersey numbers #41 to #50 for the organization. Their performances have been significant even if they did not receive much fanfare. Each player’s stories with the team have helped shape the legacy of the Pittsburgh Penguins. As we wait to see how the new-look bottom six does in the 2024-2025 season, it is important to look back at the past players that have contributed in their own significant ways.
Main Photo: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
