By the Numbers: The Enduring Significance of Jersey #24—The

For hockey fans, certain numbers hit a little differently. And when you think of defensemen who blended toughness, longevity, and that unmistakable competitive edge, one number jumps out right away: jersey number “24”. Chris Chelios wore it during some of the biggest moments of his career, and over the years, number “24” quietly grew into part of his identity—the kind fans recognize instantly, even from the upper bowl.

Chelios played 1,651 regular-season NHL games and totaled 948 points from the blue line—numbers that still make people shake their heads. But it wasn’t just about piling up stats. Chelios collected three Stanley Cups, multiple Norris Trophies, and discovered effective ways to stay relevant and reliable across 25+ NHL hockey seasons. Not many players can say that with a straight face. And through it all, number “24” kept popping up.

Why #24 Sticks with So Many Fans

Chelios started his illustrious NHL journey in Montreal wearing number “24”, winning his first Stanley Cup there in 1986. Many years later, now the seasoned veteran in Detroit, he slipped back into number “24” and won two more Stanley Cups (2002 & 2008). So yes, every Stanley Cup championship Chelios earned happened while wearing the same number—24.

For fans in Montreal and Detroit—and plenty who simply love old-school hockey—number “24” represents the full timeline of his career. It’s the young, fast kid with the Canadiens, the battle-tested leader in Detroit, and the steady, ageless defenseman who always seemed to show up when the game turned serious.

The Twist: #7 is Retired

Here’s the unexpected part: the only number Chelios has retired is number “7” in Chicago—the city where he became a fierce, respected leader, even though he didn’t win a Stanley Cup there. Meanwhile, number “24”, the number tied to all of his Stanley Cup championships and many of his biggest moments, isn’t retired anywhere. Oddly enough, that just adds to the legend. Number “24” isn’t owned by one team. It’s a career-long thread that connects some of the major phases of his NHL journey, from rising star to respected veteran.

Note: Another prominent player who wore number “24” in Detroit: Bob Probert (1983 NHL Draft—46th pick overall; same draft year as Steve Yzerman)

24: What it Really Represents

Ask just about any hockey fan what they remember most about Chris Chelios, and you’ll probably get some version of the same answer: he never slowed down. Even in his 40s, he played with the stubborn fire of a rookie and the calm of a captain who’d seen everything twice. Chris Chelios along with his number “24” (primarily during his time in Montreal and Detroit) came to stand for that mix—relentless, dependable, and incredibly durable.

So while number “7” was retired by the Chicago Blackhawks, number “24” stays alive with fans everywhere (outside of Chicago, that is)—the number tied to championships and the lasting, hard-earned legacy of Chris Chelios, one of hockey’s true originals.