On August 29, the hockey community lost Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew. An 11-year veteran of the NHL, Johnny wore No. 13 with the Calgary Flames and Columbus Blue Jackets.
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As an inspiring player for a younger generation of American-born hockey players, the NHL will miss Johnny’s presence ahead of the 2024-25 season.
The Blue Jackets plan to honor him all season by wearing helmet stickers and patches while leaving his locker untouched.
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Only Montreal Canadiens’ Cole Caufield has requested to change his number from No. 22 to No. 13 to honor his favorite player, joining a small group of current NHLers who already wear the digits.
In Pittsburgh, newly acquired Kevin Hayes will wear No. 13, becoming only the eighth skater in franchise history to wear the sweater after Vinnie Hinostroza in 2024.
Related: Best Penguins by Jersey Number: #13
Here’s a list of other NHL players who have No. 13 on their backs:
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Anaheim Ducks – Robby Fabbri
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Boston Bruins – Charlie Coyle
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Edmonton Oilers – Mattias Janmark
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Florida Panthers – Sam Reinhart
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Minnesota Wild – Yakov Trenin
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Montreal Canadiens – Cole Caufield
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New Jersey Devils – Nico Hischier
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New York Islanders – Mathew Barzal
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New York Rangers – Alexis Lafreniere
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Pittsburgh Penguins – Kevin Hayes
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Seattle Kraken – Brandon Tanev
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St. Louis Blues – Alexey Toropchenko
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Tampa Bay Lightning – Cam Atkinson
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Winnipeg Jets – Gabriel Vilardi
Often considered an unlucky number, No. 13 has been successful for many professional athletes, including Alex Rodriguez (MLB), Walt Chamberlain (NBA), and Kurt Warner (NFL). Now, No. 13 in the NHL will forever be associated with a talented star gone too soon.
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