By the Numbers: A Look at the Significance of #85
From a Memorable Playoff Goal to a Rising Star
In NHL history, jersey numbers have most often followed a predictable script. Defensemen take the low single digits, and forwards look for something in the tens and twenties. Number “85”, therefore, has always seemed to be an outlier. It’s a number that doesn’t just sit on a jersey; it aims to tell a story. So, here a look at how two NHL players have helped add a level of significance to number “85”—Petr Klima and Jake Sanderson.
Petr Klima: The Trailblazer
Petr Klima is the Stanley Cup champion who truly put number “85” on the map. A high-flying forward with a legendary helmet, Klima chose the number “85” to mark a pivotal year of his life—1985; becoming the “first Czech player to defect directly to a U.S.-based team.” Klima’s NHL career was defined by elite scoring (313 NHL goals; 573 NHL points), highlighted by his iconic triple-overtime winner for the Edmonton Oilers in the 1990 Stanley Cup Finals.
Memorable Quote: “I didn’t play too much, I sat on the bench for a couple of hours… But I got a chance to play and to score.” / Petr Klima after scoring in 3OT
Note: Petr Klima passed away on May 4, 2023, at the age of 58.
Jake Sanderson: The New Standard
Today, the number “85” belongs to a new generation. For example, as a #5 overall draft pick in 2020, Jake Sanderson of the Ottawa Senators represents a continued shift in hockey where early career stars are moving away from traditional low numbers to forge their own identities. Alongside his massive eight-year contract $64.4 million already under his belt, Sanderson is quickly turning number “85” into the symbol of a franchise cornerstone. His inclusion on Team USA’s 2026 Olympic roster confirms that number “85” is no longer just a rarity—it's a mark of the game's elite.
Cool Fact: In 2023, Jake Sanderson was named to the NHL All-Rookie Team.
85: A Lasting Impact
Even though you won't see number “85” on every NHL roster, its impact on NHL history is undeniable. It’s a number connected to life and career transition, memorable Stanley Cup playoff performance, and carried forward by a modern star. Ultimately, the legacy of number “85” will only get stronger.