By the Numbers: How #38 Became Pavol Demitra’s Lasting NHL Legacy
For a lot of hockey fans, seeing number “38” instantly brings one NHL All-Star’s name to mind: Pavol Demitra. Calm, creative, productive, and quietly dependable, number “38” became shorthand for a player who always seemed to make the right play at the right time.
From Long Shot to Legit NHL Star
Demitra’s journey didn’t start with hype. Drafted 227th overall in 1993 by Ottawa, he was very much a long shot. But he kept earning ice time, showing flashes of high-end skill and a feel for the game that couldn’t be taught. After parts of three seasons with the Senators, a move to St. Louis changed everything.
When #38 Became a Fixture in St. Louis
Demitra’s eight seasons with the St. Louis Blues are what most fans remember first—and for good reason. This is where number “38” really took on meaning. He wasn’t the loudest guy in the lineup or the most physical, but he was often the smartest. He saw passing lanes before they opened and made linemates better just by being on the ice. When healthy, Demitra was reliably productive, posting seven 50-plus-point seasons with the Blues. He earned multiple All-Star selections and won the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy in 2000, an ideal fit for a player whose game was built on skill, respect, and discipline.
A Familiar Face Around the League
Later in his career, Demitra suited up for the Los Angeles Kings, Minnesota Wild, and Vancouver Canucks, and even as injuries piled up, the talent never disappeared (e.g., three 4-point games during with the Kings in 2005-06). It was classic Demitra—understated, perfectly timed, and unforgettable.
Wearing #38 on the World Stage
Internationally, Demitra meant just as much. He was a leader for Slovakia for years, and his performance at the 2010 Winter Olympics was one of the defining moments of his career. Leading the tournament in scoring while helping Slovakia reach the brink of a medal cemented his place as a national hockey hero.
Note: With 4th place Slovakia, Demitra led the tournament with 10 points helping him earn a selection to the All-Star team.
Why #38 Still Matters
Demitra’s life was tragically cut short in 2011, a loss that hit the hockey world hard. In response, number “38” was retired by Slovakia’s national team and his hometown club, a lasting tribute to what he represented.