In the rich tapestry of the Boston Bruins' 101-year history, each jersey number tells a unique story of the players who donned it. While some numbers have become synonymous with legendary Bruins, others have been worn by a single player, creating a special place in the team's lore. As the team continues to evolve, with fresh talent emerging, the history and significance of these numbers remain a vital part of the Bruins' identity.
Of the numerous numbers that have been assigned to Bruins players throughout the years, a select few have been worn by only one individual. These unique pairings create a special connection between the player and the number, etching their names into Bruins history. Currently, there are nine numbers that have never been worn in Bruins history: 66, 69, 78, 85, 87, 96, 97, 98, and 99. The number 99 is universally retired across the NHL in honor of Wayne Gretzky.
Among the most memorable single-wear numbers are those that have been retired or honored by the team. Eddie Shore's No. 2, worn from 1926-1940, is synonymous with "old-time hockey" and was retired the same year he retired. Lionel Hitchman's No. 3 (1924-1934) also holds a distinguished place in Bruins history. Ray Bourque initially wore No. 7, but in a memorable ceremony on December 3, 1987, he switched to No. 77 so that No. 7 could be retired in honor of Phil Esposito. Bourque's No. 77 was retired on October 4, 2001, after a career that spanned four decades.
In more recent years, several other players have had the distinction of being the sole Bruins player to wear a particular number. Zdenek Blatny sported No. 89 in 2006. Jakub Lauko has worn No. 94 since 2022. Vinni Lettieri has worn No. 95 in two separate stints with the team, 2022-23 and 2024-25. Fraser Minten has worn 93 in 2025.
The tradition of retiring jersey numbers is a significant way the NHL honors its greatest players. When a number is retired, it symbolizes a player's lasting legacy, ensuring that no future player will wear that number again. The Boston Bruins have embraced this tradition, with numbers like 4, 77, and 33 serving as testaments to the players who wore them. These retirements not only honor the individual players but also connect new fans to the team's rich history.
The Bruins' jersey numbers are more than just identifiers; they represent the stories, achievements, and legacies of the players who have worn them. Whether it's a number worn by a Hall of Famer or a player who briefly donned the Spoked-B, each one contributes to the Bruins' captivating narrative. As the team moves forward, these numbers will continue to serve as a reminder of the past while inspiring future generations of Bruins players.
