By the Numbers: How Brian Savage Helped #49 Become Familiar
Some jersey numbers in the NHL jump out right away—99, 66, 87, 9. Others? Not so much. But every once in a while, a player takes a less-common number and turns it into something you don’t forget. That’s exactly what Brian Savage did with number “49”. It wasn’t flashy or famous, but it was his everywhere he played. In Montreal especially, it became part of his identity.
From Draft Day to Canadiens Mainstay
Savage didn’t exactly take the fast track to the NHL. Drafted 171st overall in 1991 by the Montreal Canadiens, expectations were not sky high. He changed that in a hurry. Over nine seasons in Montreal, he settled in as a dependable left winger, scoring goals and playing the kind of hard, honest game fans respect. He reached the 20-goal mark four times, and before long, number “49” stood for a player you could rely on night after night.
Savage also had a habit of showing up when it mattered. Quick starts to seasons (became known as hockey’s “Mr. October”), timely goals in big games—that was Savage’s calling card. Canadiens fans remember the energy he brought every shift, especially at home. With number “49” on his jersey, he gave the crowd something to cheer for and left a mark that lasted well beyond the final horn.
Cool Fact: Brian Savage was the first Montreal Canadien to record six points in a road game (April 8, 1999; 4 goals & 2 assists) since Joe Malone.
Journeyman With One Constant
When his Montreal days ended, Savage took number “49” with him to the Phoenix Coyotes, St. Louis Blues, and Philadelphia Flyers. In a league where players often change numbers with each stop, that kind of consistency stood out. Over 674 NHL games, he scored 192 goals and added 167 assists, showing that number “49” wasn’t just familiar—it delivered.
49: More Than a Number
So why does number “49” still stick with fans? It’s not because the number itself jumps off the jersey. It’s because of what Brian Savage did while wearing it. He showed up, did the work, and chipped in with goals when the Canadiens needed them. For fans, number “49” brings back memories of grit, dependability, and shifts that might not make highlight reels but still mattered to their teams. In a league full of famous jersey numbers, Savage did his part to help make number “49” familiar. And in hockey, that’s something people remember.