By the Numbers: The Enduring Legacy of Number 10 in NHL

Hockey fans know certain jersey numbers carry their own memorable stories. And jersey number “10” is definitely one of those numbers. Over the decades, it’s been worn by star players who helped shape moments NHL fans still talk about today.

1. “The Icon’s Number”—When #10 Started Feeling Special

There’s no getting around it: Guy Lafleur put the number “10” on the map for a lot of people. Whenever Lafleur picked up speed with the puck, fans knew something outstanding was coming. He gave number “10” a kind of electricity, the sort of energy that made fans lean forward in their seats. Even now, when a player skates out wearing number “10”, some small part inside of us can be found wondering if the player will bring a little of that “Lafleur-like excitement” back. That’s the thing about NHL jersey numbers—they keep memories alive even as the game changes.

Hockey Hall of Fame: Guy Lafleur

2. “Built to Last”—The Steady, Reliable Players Who Helped Define #10

Not every player wearing number “10” was a highlight machine, though. Some were the steady players who earned respect by simply showing up and doing the job right, night after night. Alex Delvecchio is a great example. He wasn’t loud or flashy—he just played smart, honest hockey for years and became part of his team’s identity in the process. Fans pick up on that stuff, and they notice the players who bring calm and consistency, the ones teammates lean on. Over time, number “10” became linked with that kind of trust as much as with pure star power.

Hockey Hall of Fame: Alex Delvecchio

3. “A Number for All Styles”—Why #10 Works in Hockey … No Matter the Era

One of the coolest things about number “10” is how many different kinds of players have worn it. Pavel Bure wore number “10” while he scored goals that hardly seemed fair to goalies—on a nightly basis. Ron Francis wore number “10” while he made plays that looked effortless. Completely different approaches, same number “10” on the back their jerseys. It’s a reminder that hockey has room for all kinds of brilliance. As the game of hockey shifts, trends come and go, but somehow there’s always a number “10” leaving a lasting mark on the game.

A Salute to Hockey’s Number 10

Ask a dozen fans what the number “10” means, and you’ll probably get a dozen different answers. A favorite player, a childhood memory, a jersey hanging from the rafters—the number “10” means something a little differently from fan to fan. But one thing’s clear: the number “10” has earned its place in the NHL’s story. Number “10” represents the stars, the leaders, and the players who quietly make the sport better simply by being part of it.