Looking through the best Penguins by sweater number, the 70s represent an important section for the team. Key players appear in this range. Similarly to the 60s, a franchise player emerges. Additionally, many impactful players appear in the 70s.
Best Penguins by the Sweater: 71-80
#71 – Evgeni Malkin
Evgeni Malkin is undeniably the best player to wear the #71 sweater for the Pittsburgh Penguins and one of the greatest Penguins of all time. Since joining the team in 2006, Malkin has been dominant on the ice. He is known for his exceptional skill, playmaking ability, and scoring prowess. Over his incredible career with the Penguins, Malkin has recorded 1,296 points, with 498 goals and 798 assists. His contributions have been integral in the team’s three Stanley Cup championships in 2009, 2016, and 2017. Malkin’s ability to take over games while under pressure cements him as one of the best Penguins of all time.
Honourable Mentions: Jiri Slegr (Defenceman) – 86 points in 242 games. Konstantin Koltsov (Right Wing) – 38 points in 144 games.
#72 – Patric Hornqvist
Patric Hornqvist‘s net-front excellence makes him the best player to wear the #72 sweater for the Pittsburgh Penguins. Remembered for his gritty playing style and net-front presence, Hornqvist played a crucial role in the Penguins back-to-back Stanley Cup championships. Over 407 games with the Penguins, he scored 132 goals and added 132 assists for 264 points. Hornqvist’s relentless tenacity, scoring ability, and physical play made him an invaluable part of the team. His significant contributions during the Penguins championship runs solidify his place as the best player to wear the #72 sweater for the Penguins.
Honourable Mentions: Eric Meloche (Right Wing) – 17 points in 61 games. Jeff Christian (Left Wing) – 4 points in 15 games.
#73 – Pierre-Olivier Joseph
Pierre-Olivier Joseph stands out as the best player to wear the #73 sweater for the Pittsburgh Penguins amongst shallow competition. During Joseph’s time with the team, he showed flashes of promise and stability on the blue line. He scored 37 points in 147 games with the ogranization. Unlike his counterpart Jack Johnson, who was criticized for being a significant burden on the team’s salary cap and performance, Joseph was a relatively inoffensive presence. Joseph’s contributions, though not plentiful, did not hinder the team, making him the top choice for the #73 sweater in Penguins history.
Honourable Mentions: Jack Johnson (Defenceman) – 20 points in 149 games.
#74 – Jay McKee
Jay McKee is the sole player that’s worn the #74 sweater for the Pittsburgh Penguins. During his 62-game stint with the team in his final season, McKee scored one goal and nine assists for 10 points. McKee possessed a solid two-way game, providing a steady presence on the blue line. Although his time with the Penguins was short, his role in bolstering the team’s defence in 2010 during their attempt to win back-to-back championships make him the top (and only) player to have worn the #74 sweater for the Penguin.
Honourable Mentions: No other players have worn #74 for the Pens.
#75 – Ryan Reaves
As no other players have worn this number for the team, Ryan Reaves gets the spot as best #75. Originally acquired for his physicality, Reaves only played 58 games with the team. He scored a measly four goals and four assists, while being a liability on the ice. General Manager Jim Rutherford paid a heavy price to bring Reaves to Pittsburgh, but his performance did not meet expectations. As such, Reaves was traded within the same season. Despite his brief time with the team, Reaves’ presence on the ice was notable when he was not negatively impacting the team.
Honourable Mentions: No other players have worn #75 for the Pens.
#76 – Valtteri Puustinen
Valtteri Puustinen‘s limited production but good potential make him the best player to wear #76 for the Penguins. Although his time with the team has been brief so far, Puustinen has shown potential to be a factor in the long-term. Over 53 games, he has scored five goals and 20 points. Puustinen possesses potential and could become a key part of the Penguins middle-six forward group going forward. His contributions so far already qualify him as the best Penguin to wear #76.
Honourable Mentions: Richard Park (Right Wing) – 25 points in 112 games.
#77 – Paul Coffey
Paul Coffey, another franchise icon, is the best player to wear the #77 sweater for the Pittsburgh Penguins. As a key defenceman, Coffey played an integral role in the Penguins success in the 90s. He contributed significantly to their back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 1991 and 1992. Over 331 games with the team, Coffey scored 108 goals and 332 assists, totaling 440 points. Coffey was known for his exceptional offensive capabilities and skating, and his presence on the blue line was a game-changer for the Penguins. His contributions during their championship runs earn him his place as one of the most important players in franchise history and the top player to have worn the #77 sweater for the Penguins.
Honourable Mentions: Jeff Carter (Centre) – 100 points in 241 games.
