Unique Numbers: Boston Bruins Players and Their Unforgettable Jerseys

On December 3, 1987, the Boston Garden witnessed an unforgettable moment in Boston Bruins history: the retirement ceremony of Phil Esposito's number. Raymond Bourque surprised everyone by revealing that he would wear number 77, allowing Esposito's number 7 to be raised forever to the heights of the stadium. Esposito and Bourque are just two of the seven Bruins players who wore number 7 before it was retired. This event demonstrated the deep connection between players and fans, marking a milestone in the history of the franchise.

Of the numbers retired by the Bruins, 2, 3 and 77 were worn by only one player, which highlights the uniqueness of these athletes within the team. This recognition underscores the importance of players in the history of the Bruins and how their individual achievements contribute to the collective legacy of the team.

Eddie Shore, whose name evokes the golden age of hockey, was an emblematic player for the Bruins. His jersey with the number 2 was retired the same year Shore hung up his skates. This ensured that no other player could wear that number, solidifying his legacy. His aggression and skill on the ice made him a legend, and his retired number is a testament to his impact on the team and the sport.

Shore was a pioneer in hockey, and his retired number is a symbol of his dedication and excellence. His contribution to the team and the sport in general secured him a place in Bruins history.

Lionel Hitchman, although less known to modern fans, was another fundamental player in the early days of the Bruins. Like Shore, his number 3 was retired shortly after his retirement in 1934. Hitchman was a member of the Stanley Cup-winning teams with the Ottawa Senators in 1923 and the Bruins in 1929. His contribution to the team was fundamental to the early success of the franchise.

The recognition of Hitchman with the retirement of his number demonstrates the importance of the players who laid the foundations for the success of the Bruins. His legacy endures in the history of the team.

Ray Bourque, with the number 77, is another name that resonates in Bruins history. Bourque amassed 1,579 points in 1,612 games played almost exclusively with the Bruins. Although he sought a trade to finish his career on a contending team, his number 77 will never again be worn by another Bruins player. He was selected by Boston in the eighth position in the 1979 NHL Draft and is recognized as one of the NHL's 100 Greatest Players.

Bourque's dedication and talent made him a legend, and the retirement of his number is a tribute to his lasting impact on the team and the sport.

David Pastrnak, currently with the number 88, is a rising star who will surely see his number retired in the future. The 29-year-old is already one of the league's top scorers. He shared the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy in the shortened 2019-20 regular season, tying with Alex Ovechkin, and was named Most Valuable Player of the 2020 All-Star Game. In the 2023-24 season, he accumulated 61 goals and 52 assists in 82 games, and in the same season, he already has 26 goals and 35 assists.

In 825 career games, Pastrnak has scored 420 goals, including 132 on power plays. His consistent performance and impact on the team make him a strong candidate for a future number retirement.

Zdenek Blatny, with the number 89, and Jakub Lauko, with the number 94, and Vinni Lettieri, with the number 95, although less known, also had their moment with the Bruins. Blatny played 25 games in the NHL, five of them with Boston in the 2005-06 season. Jakub Lauko made his NHL debut in 2022. Vinni Lettieri, returned to the Bruins after being traded by the Wild and has played in 24 games in the 2024-25 season.

These players, although with less media recognition, contributed to the team and left their mark on the history of the Bruins.

Currently, nine numbers have not been worn by any player in Bruins history: 66, 69, 78, 85, 87, 96, 97, 98, and 99 (which is universally retired). With players born even in the late 2000s already old enough to enter the NHL, and with so many low numbers retired, it is likely that many of these numbers will begin to be taken soon.

The future of the Bruins promises new stories and legends, and it will be interesting to see which numbers become synonymous with success in the coming years.