By the Numbers: The Legendary #19 and Two Generational Champions
Some jersey numbers just hit different, and in the NHL, jersey number “19” is one of them. It’s the kind of number that, when you spot it on a jersey, you immediately think of leadership, big goals, and the backbone of a championship run. And when hockey fans talk about the best to ever wear it, two names always come up in the discussion: Steve Yzerman and Joe Sakic. Two captains. Two NHL All-Stars. Two multiple Stanley Cup winners. Two Hockey Hall of Famers. Two players who gave #19 its incredible staying power.
Steve Yzerman: The Blueprint for a Modern Captain
Steve Yzerman didn’t just lead the Detroit Red Wings—he became the face of a franchise that grew into a powerhouse. Throughout his playing career in Detroit, “Stevie Y” evolved from a flashy young scorer into the kind of complete, reliable center coaches absolutely dream about. And the numbers back it up: more than 1,700 career points and three Stanley Cups. What fans still appreciate most about Yzerman is how he adapted his game for the good of the team. He embraced defense, he played through pain, and he set a tone that helped shape Detroit’s identity for years. If you’re explaining what a captain should look like, Yzerman is where you start.
Joe Sakic: Quiet Voice, Heavy Impact
Joe Sakic led a different way—less vocal, more “follow me and I’ll show you” energy. Over two decades with the Quebec Nordiques/Colorado Avalanche organization, “Burnaby Joe” delivered elite consistency: 625 goals, more than 1,600 points, and two Stanley Cup wins. Sakic had this calm, steady presence that made his biggest plays feel even more dramatic. And he always seemed to find another gear in the postseason. Avalanche fans will tell you: if Sakic had the puck in a big moment, you felt pretty good about what was coming next. Sakic gave jersey number “19” a sense of cool confidence that’s still fondly remembered.
#19: A Number Built on Champions
What ties Yzerman and Sakic together isn’t just skill, talent, drive or championships—it’s the way they carried themselves, both on and off the ice. These two NHL All-Stars each brought their own style to the game of hockey, but they shared a common thread: they wore #19 with real intention throughout their playing careers. They both grew into the kind of players teammates trusted and fans instinctively gravitated toward.