By the Numbers: How Mikael Granlund Helped Make #64 Familiar
In hockey, certain numbers carry immediate weight—think of the “99” of Gretzky or the “66” of Lemieux. But for years, #64 was just basically a "training camp" number, a placeholder given to prospects before they earned a more well-worn jersey number. That changed when Mikael Granlund arrived. With 930 NHL games under his belt, the player from Oulu, Finland has helped give some familiarity to number “64” in the NHL.
Helping the Establish the Engine in Minnesota
Granlund entered the league with massive expectations as Minnesota selected him with the 9th overall pick in 2010. Beginning in the 2012-13 season, Granlund spent seven seasons as part of Minnesota’s offensive engine, posting back-to-back 65+ point seasons. Wild fans will always remember his 2014 playoff overtime winner against the Colorado Avalanche; with his stick extended, he dove past an off-balance defender and put the puck into the net for the win.
Cool Fact: Mikael Granlund is famous for his lacrosse-style goal in the 2011 World Championship, while wearing #64 for Team Finland.
64: Resilience and a Career Moves
Granlund played with the Wild through the 2018-19 season, when he was traded to the Nashville Predators in February 2019. He remained with Nashville from 2019 to 2023. In March 2023, he was traded by Nashville to the Pittsburgh Penguins and finished the 2022-23 season in Pittsburgh. Prior to the 2023-24 season, he was traded to the San Jose Sharks as part of a three-team deal. During the 2024-25 season, Granlund was traded by San Jose to the Dallas Stars. After the 2024-25 season, he became a free agent, and on July 1, 2025 signed a three-year contract with the Anaheim Ducks.
Cool Fact: Mikael Granlund was named to Team Finland’s roster for the 2026 Olympic Winter Games.
From Anaheim to the Olympic Stage
As of January 2026, Granlund is currently suiting up for the Anaheim Ducks. With 629 career points over 930 NHL games, Granlund has definitely helped give some familiarity to the number “64” across the league. Today, Mikael Granlund’s career proves a player isn't defined by the tradition of their jersey number, but by the excellence they bring to it season after season.