The 50 Most Iconic Numbers in NHL History

There will always be the argument about who is the best player ever. Not everyone talks about the numbers they wore on their backs and arms. While there are the obvious numbers that everyone will think of, when you are putting together a group of 50, there are plenty numbers on this list that some people won't see coming.

When you are are looking at the most iconic numbers of all time, you can bet that most of the numbers are going to be on older teams. You won't be seeing any numbers from teams like the Columbus Blue Jackets, Atlanta Thrashers or Nashville Predators on this list.

In my opinion, these are the 50 most iconic numbers in NHL history.

50. Dallas Stars No. 9

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

DALLAS - APRIL 08: Center Mike Modano #9 of the Dallas Stars at American Airlines Center on April 8, 2010 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Player: Mike Modano

Dallas Stats: 1142 games played, 434 goals, 616 assists, 1050 points

Time Spent in Dallas: 1989-90 to 2009-10

Team Leader In: goals, points, game-winning goals, power-play goals, short-handed goals, overtime goals

Acquired: Drafted first overall in 1988

Departed: Signed with Detroit in 2010

49. St. Louis No. 16

Ian Tomlinson/Getty Images

22 Mar 1998: Rightwinger Brett Hull of the St. Louis Blues in action during a game against the Calgary Flames at the Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta Canada. The Flames defeated the Blues 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Ian Tomlinson /Allsport

Player: Brett Hull

St. Louis Stats: 744 games played, 527 goals, 409 assists, 936 points

Time Spent in St. Louis: 1987-88 to 1997-98

Team Leader In: goals, power-play goals, game-winning goals

Acquired: Trade with Calgary on March 7, 1988

Departed: Signed with Dallas in 1998

48. New Jersey No. 4

Mitchell Layton/Getty Images

WASHINGTON - FEBRUARY 5: Scott Stevens #4 of the New Jersey Devils looks on against the Washington Capitals at the MCI Center on February 5, 2003 in Washington, D.C. The Devils defeated the Capitals 4-1. (Photo By Mitchell Layton/Getty Images/NHLI)

Player: Scott Stevens

New Jersey Stats: 956 games played, 93 goals, 337 assists, 430 points

Time Spent in New Jersey: 1991-92 to 2003-04

Team Leader In: plus/minus

Acquired: Awarded as compensation from St. Louis in return for St. Louis signing restricted free agent Brendan Shanahan

Departed: Retired in 2004

47. Toronto No. 21

Richard Wolowicz/Getty Images

MONTREAL- JANUARY 8: Former Toronto Maple Leafs player Borje Salming waves to fans during pre-game ceremonies before the game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre on January 08, 2009 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

Player: Borje Salming

Toronto Stats: 1099 games played, 148 goals, 620 assists, 768 points

Time Spent in Toronto: 1973-74 to 1988-89

Team Leader in: assists, plus/minus

Acquired: Signed with Toronto on May 12, 1973

Departed: Signed with Detroit in 1989

46. New Jersey No. 27

Al Bello/Getty Images

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 3: Defenseman Scott Niedermayer #27 of the New Jersey Devils skates with the puck against the New York Rangers during the preseason NHL game on October 3, 2003 at Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Th

Player: Scott Niedermayer

New Jersey Stats: 892 games played, 112 goals, 364 assists, 476 points

Time Spent in New Jersey: 1991-92 to 2003-04

Acquired: Drafted third overall in 1991

Departed: Signed with Anaheim in 2005

45. New York Rangers No. 9

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 22: Former New York Ranger players Mark Messier, Andy Bathgate and Adam Graves look over Bathgate's jersey during a ceremony prior to the game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the New York Rangers on February 22, 2009 at Madison Squ

Players: Andy Bathgate and Adam Graves

Rangers Stats: Bathgate—719 games played, 272 goals, 457 assists, 729 points; Graves—772 games played, 280 goals, 227 assists, 507 points

Time Spent in New York: Bathgate—1952-53 to 1963-64 Graves- 1991-92 to 200-01

Acquired: Bathgate—Signed with New York in 1949; Graves—Signed with New York in 1991

Departed: Bathgate—Traded to Toronto in 1964; Graves—Traded to San Jose in 2001

44. Toronto No. 6

Courtesy of www.wikipedia.org

Player: Ace Bailey

Toronto Stats: 313 games played, 111 goals, 82 assists, 193 points

Time Spent in Toronto: 1927-28 to 1933-34

Acquired: Signed with Toronto in 1926

Departed: Career ended due to injury in 1933

43. Montreal No. 7

Richard Wolowicz/Getty Images

MONTREAL- JANUARY 21: A statue of Howie Morenz in Centennial Plaza outside of the Bell Centre, on January 21, 2009 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. (Photo by Richard Wolowicz/Getty Images)

Player: Howie Morenz

Montreal Stats: 460 games played, 257 goals, 160 assists, 417 points

Time Spent in Montreal: 1923-24 to 1933-34, 1936-37

Acquired: Signed with Montreal on July 7, 1923

Departed: Traded to Chicago in 1934

Acquired: Contract purchased from New York in 1936

Departed: Career ended due to injury in 1937

42. New York Rangers No. 2

Dave Sandford/Getty Images

TORONTO - DECEMBER 02: Defenseman Brian Leetch #2 of the New York Rangers on the ice during the game against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Air Canada Centre on December 2, 2003 in Toronto, Ontario. The Rangers defeated the Leafs 5-4. (Photo By Dave Sand

Player: Brian Leetch

Rangers Stats: 1129 games played, 240 goals, 741 assists, 981 points

Time Spent in New York: 1987-88 to 2003-04

Team Leader In: assists, power-play goals

Acquired: Drafted ninth overall in 1986

Departed: Traded to Toronto in 2004

41. Detroit No. 12

Courtesy of www.redwings.nhl.com

Player: Sid Abel

Detroit Stats: 570 games played, 184 goals, 279 assists, 463 points

Time Spent in Detroit: 1939-40 to 1951-52

Acquired: 1939

Departed: Traded to Blackhawks in 1952

40. Boston No. 15

Courtesy of www.bruins.nhl.com

Player: Milt Schmidt

Boston Stats: 776 games played, 229 goals, 346 assists, 575 points

Time Spent in Boston: 1936-37 to 1954-55

Acquired: Rights acquired by Boston in 1935

Departed: Retired in 1954

39. Toronto No. 5

Claus Andersen/Getty Images

TORONTO, ON - MARCH 13: Bill Barilko's banner hangs in the ceiling of the Air Canada Centre during the Toronto Maple Leafs game against the Edmonton Oilers on March 13, 2010 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *

Player: Bill Barilko

Toronto Stats: 252 games played, 26 goals, 36 assists, 62 points

Time Spent in Toronto: 1946-47 to 1950-51

Acquired: 1946

Departed: Died shortly after August 26, 1951

38. New Jersey No. 30

Jonathan Klein/Getty Images

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 09: Martin Brodeur #30 of the New Jersey Devils stretches prior to the game against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on April 9, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Jonathan Klein/Getty Images)

Player: Martin Brodeur

New Jersey Stats: 1132 games played, 625 wins, 116 shutouts, 2.22 GAA

Time Spent in New Jersey: 1991-92 to present

Team Leader In: wins, GAA, shutouts

Acquired: Drafted 20th overall in 1990

Departed: Hasn't yet.

37. Chicago No. 35

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

CHICAGO - MARCH 19: Former goaltender Tony Esposito of the Chicago Blackhawks waves to the crowd before being honored at a game between the Blackhawks and the Washington Capitals on March 19, 2008 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonat

Player: Tony Esposito

Chicago Stats: 873 games played, 418 wins, 74 shutouts, 2.93 GAA

Time Spent in Chicago: 1969-70 to 1983-84

Team Leader In: wins, shutouts

Acquired: Claimed on waivers from Montreal

Departed: Retired in 1984

36. Philadelphia No. 1

Courtesy of www.flyers.nhl.com

Player: Bernie Parent

Philadelphia Stats: 486 games played, 232 wins, 50 shutouts, 2.42 GAA

Time Spent in Philadelphia: 1967-68 to 1978-79

Team Leader In: shutouts

Acquired: Trade with Toronto in 1973

Departed: Career ended due to injury in 1979

35. Edmonton No. 7

Tim Smith/Getty Images

EDMONTON, CANADA - OCTOBER 18: Edmonton Oiler great Paul Coffey takes a final skate around the ice after his number 7 banner was raised to the rafters during a special ceremony on October 18, 2005 at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by

Player: Paul Coffey

Edmonton Stats: 532 games played, 209 goals, 460 assists, 669 points

Time Spent in Edmonton: 1980-81 to 1986-87

Acquired: Drafted sixth overall in 1980

Departed: Traded to Pittsburgh in 1987

34. New York Islanders No. 31

Courtesy of www.islanders.nhl.com

Player: Billy Smith

Islanders Stats: 675 games played, 304 wins, 22 shutouts, 3.16 GAA

Time Spent in New York: 1972-73 to 1988-89

Team Leader In: wins

Acquired: Taken in expansion draft from Los Angeles

Departed: Retired in 1989

33. Chicago No. 1

Player: Glenn Hall

Chicago Stats: 618 games played, 275 wins, 51 shutouts, 2.60 GAA

Time Spent in Chicago: 1957-58 to 1966-67

Acquired: Trade with Detroit in 1957

Departed: Claimed in expansion draft by St. Louis in 1967

32. Chicago No. 18

Glenn Cratty/Getty Images

4 Feb 1996: Center Denis Savard of the Chicago Blackhawks skates down the ice during a game against Anaheim Mighty Ducks at Arrowhead Pond in Anaheim, California. The Blackhawks won the game 4-1.. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Cratty /Allsport

Player: Denis Savard

Chicago Stats: 881 games played, 377 goals, 719 assists, 1096 points

Time Spent in Chicago: 1980-81 to 1989-90, 1994-95 to 1996-97

Acquired: Drafted third overall in 1980

Departed: Traded to Montreal in 1990

Acquired: Trade with Tampa Bay in 1995

31. Detroit No. 10

Dave Sandford/Getty Images

DETROIT - OCTOBER 16: Hall of Famer Alex Delvecchio of the Detroit Red Wings waves to fans during the ceremony before a NHL game at Joe Louis Arena on October 16, 2008 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Dave Reginek/NHLI via Getty Images)

Player: Alex Delvecchio

Detroit Stats: 1549 games played, 456 goals, 825 assists, 1281 points

Time Spent in Detroit: 1951-52 to 1973-74

Acquired: 1951

Departed: Retired in 1973

30. Edmonton No. 17

Mike Powell/Getty Images

INGLEWOOD, CA - 1988: Right wing Jari Kurri #17 of the Edmonton Oilers moves against the Los Angeles Kings during the 1988-89 season at the Great Western Forum in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Mike Powell/Getty Images)

Player: Jari Kurri

Edmonton Stats: 754 games played, 474 goals, 569 assists, 1043 points

Time Spent in Edmonton: 1980-81 to 1989-90

Acquired: Drafted 69th overall in 1980

Departed: Traded to Philadelphia in 1991

29. Buffalo No. 11

Rick Stewart/Getty Images

BUFFALO, NY - FEBRUARY 23: Former Buffalo Sabres players Gilbert Perreault #11, Rene Robert #14 and Rick Martin #7 skate out to meet new Sabre owner Terry Pegula (not shown) during pre game ceremonies prior to play against the Atlanta Thrashers at HSBC A

Player: Gilbert Perreault

Buffalo Stats: 1191 games played, 512 goals, 814 assists, 1326 points

Time Spent in Buffalo: 1970-71 to 1986-87

Team Leader in: goals, assists, points, game-winning goals

Acquired: Drafted first overall in 1970

Departed: Retired in 1987

28. Boston No. 8

Rick Stewart/Getty Images

12 Dec 1995: Rightwinger Cam Neely of the Boston Bruins looks on during a game against the Buffalo Sabres at Memorial Auditorium in Buffalo, New York. The Bruins won the game, 2-1.

Player: Cam Neely

Boston Stats: 525 games played, 344 goals, 246 assists, 590 points

Time Spent in Boston: 1986-87 to 1995-96

Acquired: Trade with Vancouver in 1986

Departed: Retired in 1996

27. Detroit No. 7

Claus Andersen/Getty Images

DETROIT, MI - OCTOBER 18: Detroit Red Wings legend Ted Lindsay waves to the crowd prior to start of game between the Detroit Red Wings and the New York Rangers on October 18, 2008 at the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan. The Red Wings defeated the Ra

Player: Ted Lindsay

Detroit Stats: 862 games played, 335 goals, 393 assists, 728 points

Time Spent in Detroit: 1944-45 to 1956-57, 1964-65

Acquired: 1944

Departed: Traded to Chicago in 1945

Acquired: Lured out of retirement in 1964

Departed: Retired for good in 1965

26. Los Angeles No. 20

Noah Graham/Getty Images

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 23: Luc Robitaille #20 of the Los Angeles Kings looks on in warms-up prior to the start of the NHL game against the Calgary Flames on October 23, 2005 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Noah Graham/Gett

Player: Luc Robitaille

Los Angeles Stats: 1077 games played, 557 goals, 597 assists, 1154 points

Time Spent in Los Angeles: 1986-87 to 1993-94, 1997-98 to 2000-01, 2003-04 to 2005-06

Team Leader In: goals, power-play goals, game-winning goals

Acquired: Drafted 171st overall in 1984

Departed: Traded to Pittsburgh in 1994

Acquired: Trade with New York Rangers in 1997

Departed: Signed as a free agent with Detroit

Acquired: Signed as a free agent in 2003

Departed: Retired in 2006

25. Philadelphia No. 16

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BOSTON - JANUARY 01: Staff Sergeant Ryan R. LaFrance (C) prepares to drop the ceremonial first puck for Bobby Clarke #16 (L) honorary captain of the Philadelphia Flyers and Bobby Orr #4 (R) honorary captain of the Boston Bruins during the 2010 Bridgeston

Player: Bobby Clarke

Philadelphia Stats: 1144 games played, 358 goals, 852 assists, 1210 points

Time Spent in Philadelphia: 1969-70 to 1983-84

Team Leader In: assists, points, plus/minus

Acquired: Drafted 17th overall in 1969

Departed: Retired in 1984

24. Colorado No. 19

Jeff Gross/Getty Images

CHICAGO - NOVEMBER 03: Joe Sakic #19 of the Colorado Avalanche skates against the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center on November 3, 2008 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

Player: Joe Sakic

Colorado Stats: 1378 games played, 625 goals, 1016 assists, 1641 points

Time Spent in Colorado: 1988-89 to 2008-09

Team Leader In: goals, assists, points, power-play goals, short-handed goals

Aquired: Drafted 15th overall in 1988

Departed: Retired in 2009

23. Boston No. 7

Courtesy of www.bruins.nhl.com

Player: Phil Esposito

Boston Stats: 625 games played, 459 goals, 553 assists, 1012 points

Time Spent in Boston: 1967-68 to 1975-76

Team Leader In: game-winning goals

Acquired: Trade with Chicago in 1967

Departed: Traded to New York Rangers in 1975

22. New York Islanders No. 5

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

UNIONDALE, NY - MARCH 02: Denis Potvin of 'The 'Core of the Four' New York Islanders Stanley Cup championships take part in a ceremony prior to the Islanders game against the Florida Panthers on March 2, 2008 at the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, New York

Player: Denis Potvin

Islanders Stats: 1060 games played, 310 goals, 742 assists, 1052 points

Time Spent in New York: 1973-74 to 1987-88

Acquired: Drafted first overall in 1973

Departed: Retired in 1988

21. Toronto No. 7

Player: Tim Horton

Toronto Stats: 1185 games played, 109 goals, 349 assists, 458 points

Time Spent in Toronto: 1951-52 to 1969-70

Acquired: Signed in 1948

Departed: Traded to New York Rangers in 1970

20. New York Islanders No. 19

Mike Powell/Getty Images

INGLEWOOD, CA - 1988: Forward Bryan Trottier #19 of the New York Islanders on the ice during a 1988-89 season game against the Los Angeles Kings at the Great Western Forum in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Mike Powell/Getty Images)

Player: Bryan Trottier

Islanders Stats: 1123 games played, 500 goals, 853 assists, 1353 points

Time Spent in New York: 1975-76 to 1989-90

Team Leader In: assists, points, plus/minus

Acquired: Drafted 22nd overall in 1974

Departed: Signed as a free agent with Pittsburgh in 1990

19. Edmonton No. 11

Tim Smith/Getty Images

EDMONTON, CANADA - FEBRUARY 27: Former Edmonton Oilers great Mark Messier #11 hoists the Stanley Cup while skating across the ice during a ceremony to raise his #11 banner to the rafters of Rexall Place prior to the Oilers game against the Phoenix Coyote

Player: Mark Messier

Edmonton Stats: 851 games played, 392 goals, 642 assists, 1034 points

Time Spent in Edmonton: 1979-80 to 1989-90

Acquired: Drafted 48th overall in 1979

Departed: Traded to New York in 1991

18. Montreal No. 5

Scott Cunningham/Getty Images

ATLANTA - OCTOBER 22: Hockey legend Bernie 'Boom Boom' Geoffrion acknowledges the crowd after being introduced before the Atlanta Thrashers game against the New Jersey Devils on October 22, 2005 at Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. The Thrashers won the

Player: Bernie "Boom Boom" Geoffrion

Montreal Stats: 766 games played, 371 goals, 388 assists, 759 points

Time Spent in Montreal: 1950-51 to 1963-64

Acquired: 1950

Departed: Retired in 1964

17. Toronto No. 27

Richard Wolowicz/Getty Images

MONTREAL- JANUARY 8: Former Toronto Maple Leafs player Darryl Sittler waves to fans during pre-game ceremonies before the game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre on January 08, 2009 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

Players: Darryl Sittler, Frank Mahovlich 

Toronto Stats: Sittler—844 games played, 389 goals, 527 assists, 916 points; Mahovlich—720 games played, 296 goals, 301 assists, 597 points

Time Spent in Toronto: Sittler—1970-71 to 1981-82; Mahovlich—1956-57 to 1967-68

Acquired: Sittler—Drafted eighth overall in 1970; Mahovlich—Signed with Toronto in 1954

Departed: Sitter—Traded to Philadelphia in 1982; Mahovlich—Traded To Detroit in 1968

16. Montreal No. 12

Richard Wolowicz/Getty Images

MONTREAL- DECEMBER 4: Former Montreal Canadien Yvan Cournoyer skates during the Centennial Celebration ceremonies prior to the NHL game between the Montreal Canadiens and Boston Bruins on December 4, 2009 at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

Players: Yvan Cournoyer, Dickie Moore

Montreal Stats: Cournoyer—968 games played, 428 goals, 435 assists, 863 points; Moore—654 games played, 254 goals, 340 assists, 594 points

Time Spent in Montreal: Cournoyer—1963-64 to 1978-79; Moore—1951-52 to 1967-68

Acquired: Cournoyer—1963; Moore—1951

Departed: Cournoyer—Retired in 1964; MoorevRetired in 1968

15. Detroit No. 1

Courtesy of www.redwings.nhl.com

Player: Terry Sawchuk

Detroit Stats: 734 games played, 351 wins, 85 shutouts, 2.44 GAA

Time Spent in Detroit: 1950-51 to 1954-55, 1957-58 to 1963-64, 1968-69

Team Leader In: wins, shutouts

Acquired: Signed in 1947

Departed: Traded to Boston in 1955

Acquired: Trade with Boston in 1957

Departed: Claimed off waivers by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1964

Acquired: Trade with Los Angeles in 1968

Departed: Traded to New York Rangers in 1969

14. New York Islanders No. 22

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

UNIONDALE, NY - OCTOBER 13: Former New York Islanders player Mike Bossy is announced as Executive Director of Corporate Relations for the New York Islanders on October 13, 2006 at the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty I

Player: Mike Bossy

Islanders Stats: 752 games played, 573 goals, 553 assists, 1126 points

Time Spent in New York: 1977-78 to 1986-87

Acquired: Drafted 15th overall in 1977

Departed: Retired in 1988

13. Boston No. 77

Elsa/Getty Images

16 Oct 1998: Defenseman Ray Bourque #77 of the Boston Bruins in action during a game against the Los Angeles Kings at the Great Western Forum in Inglewood, California. The Kings defeated the Bruins 2-1 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Elsa Hasch /Allspor

Player: Ray Bourque

Boston Stats: 1518 games played, 395 goals, 1111 assists, 1506 points

Time Spent in Boston: 1979-80 to 1999-00

Team Leader in: assists, points, plus/minus, power-play goal

Acquired: Drafted eighth overall in 1979

Departure: Traded to Colorado in 2000

12. Chicago No. 21

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 22: Stan Mikita attends the ceremony honoring Andy Bathgate and Harry Howell prior to the game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the New York Rangers on February 22, 2009 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Ben

Player: Stan Mikita

Chicago Stats: 1394 games played, 541 goals, 926 assists, 1467 points

Time Spent in Chicago: 1958-59 to 1979-80

Team Leader In: assists, points

Acquired: 1958

Departed: Retired in 1979

11. Detroit No. 19

Mitchell Layton/Getty Images

WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 9: Center Steve Yzerman #19 of the Detriot Red Wings looks on against the Washington Capitals during the NHL game on December 9, 2005 at MCI Center in Washington D.C. Red Wings won 4-3. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)

Player: Steve Yzerman

Detroit Stats: 1514 games played, 692 goals, 1063 assists, 1755 points

Time Spent in Detroit: 1983-84 to 2005-06

Team Leader In: assists, power-play goals, short-handed goals, game-winning goals

Acquired: Drafted fourth overall in 1983

Departure: Retired in 2006

10. Chicago No. 9

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 09: Former player Bobby Hull of the Chicago Blackhawks is introduced to the crowd during a Heritage Night to honor the 1961 Stanley Cup Championship team before a game against the New York Islanders at the United Center on January 9,

Player: Bobby Hull

Chicago Stats: 1036 games played, 604 goals, 549 assists, 1153 points

Time Spent in Chicago: 1957-58 to 1971-72

Team Leader In: goals

Acquired: 1957

Departed: Signed with Winnipeg Jets of the WHA in 1972

9. Montreal No. 16

Dave Sandford/Getty Images

OTTAWA, ON - JUNE 01: Former Montreal Canadiens great, Henri Richard speaks with the media during the 'Salute to the Stanley Cup Legends' on June 1, 2007 at the Brookstreet Hotel in Ottawa, Canada. (Photo by Dave Sandford/Getty Images)

Players: Henri Richard, Elmer Lach

Montreal Totals: Richard—1256 games played, 358 goals, 688 assists, 1046 points; Lach—664 games played, 215 goals, 408 assists, 623 points

Time Spent in Montreal: Richard—1955-56 to 1974-75; Lach—1940-41 to 1953-54

Acquired: Richard—1955; Lach—Signed with Montreal in 1940

Departed: Richard—Retired in 1975; Lach—Retired in 1954

8. Montreal No. 1

Richard Wolowicz/Getty Images

MONTREAL- APRIL 19: A photo of the banners commemorating the retired jerseys of Jacque Plante, Bernard Geoffrion and Jean Beliveau hanging in the Bell Centre prior to Game Three of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals between the Washington Capitals and

Player: Jacques Plante

Montreal Stats: 556 games played, 314 wins, 58 shutouts, 2.23 GAA

Time Spent in Montreal: 1952-53 to 1962-63

Team Leader In: wins, shutouts

Acquired: Signed with Montreal in 1949

Departed: Traded to New York Rangers in 1963

7. Montreal No. 4

Richard Wolowicz/Getty Images

MONTREAL- DECEMBER 4: Former Montreal Canadien Jean Beliveau speaks to fans during the Centennial Celebration ceremonies prior to the NHL game between the Montreal Canadiens and Boston Bruins on December 4, 2009 at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Ca

Player: Jean Beliveau

Montreal Stats: 1125 games played, 507 goals, 712 assists, 1219 points

Time Spent in Montreal: 1950-51 to 1970-71

Acquired: 1950

Departed: Retired in 1971

6. Montreal No. 10

Richard Wolowicz/Getty Images

MONTREAL- DECEMBER 4: Former Montreal Canadien Guy Lafleur speaks to fans during the Centennial Celebration ceremonies prior to the NHL game between the Montreal Canadiens and Boston Bruins on December 4, 2009 at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Cana

Player: Guy Lafleur

Montreal Stats: 961 games played, 518 goals, 728 assists, 1246 points

Time Spent in Montreal: 1971-72 to 1984-85

Team Leader In: assists, points, power-play goals, game-winning goals

Acquired: Drafted first overall in 1970

Departed: Retired in 1985

5. Montreal No. 9

Player: Maurice "The Rocket" Richard

Montreal Stats: 978 games played, 544 goals, 421 assists, 965 points

Time Spent in Montreal: 1942-43 to 1959-60

Team Leader In: goals

Acquired: 1942

Departed: Retired in 1960

4. Pittsburgh No. 66

Justin K. Aller/Getty Images

PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 31: Mario Lemieux #66 of the Pittsburgh Penguins skates against the Washington Capitals during the 2011 NHL Winter Classic Alumni Game on December 31, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/G

Player: Mario Lemieux

Pittsburgh Stats: 915 games played, 690 goals, 1033 assists, 1723 points

Time Spent in Pittsburgh: 1984-85 to 2005-06

Team Leader In: goals, assists, points, power-play goals, short-handed goals

Acquired: Drafted first overall in 1984

Departed: Retired in 2006

1C. Boston No. 4

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

BOSTON - MARCH 18: Bobby Orr takes part in a celebration honoring the 1970 Boston Bruin Championship team prior to the game between the Bruins and the Pittsburgh Penguins of the Boston Bruins at the TD Garden on March 18, 2010 in Boston, Massachusetts. (

Player: Bobby Orr

Boston Stats: 631 games played, 264 goals, 624 assists, 888 points

Time Spent in Boston: 1962-63 to 1975-76

Acquired: Signed with Boston in 1962

Departed: Signed with Chicago in 1976

1B. Detroit No. 9

Richard Wolowicz/Getty Images

MONTREAL- DECEMBER 4: Gordie Howe speaks to fans during the Centennial Celebration ceremonies prior to the NHL game between the Montreal Canadiens and Boston Bruins on December 4, 2009 at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Canadiens defeat

Player: Gordie Howe

Detroit Stats: 1687 games played, 786 goals, 1023 assists, 1809 points

Time Spent in Detroit: 1946-47 to 1970-71

Team Leader In: goals, points

Acquired: Signed with Detroit in 1945

Departed: Retired in 1971

1A. Edmonton No. 99

Dave Sandford/Getty Images

EDMONTON, CANADA - NOVEMBER 22: Wayne Gretzky #99 of the Edmonton Oilers skates against the Montreal Canadiens during the Molson Canadien Heritage Classic Megastars Game on November 22, 2003 at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton, Canada. (Photo by Dave Sa

Player: Wayne Gretzky

Edmonton Stats: 696 games played, 583 goals, 1086 assists, 1669 points

Time Spent in Edmonton: 1978-79 to 1987-88

Team Leader In: goals, assists, points, plus/minus, short-handed goals

Acquired: Came with Edmonton when they entered the NHL

Departed: Traded to Los Angeles in 1988