The Penguins have had many talented hockey players wearing their logo. This article analyzes the best Penguins by sweater numbers #51-60. As we enter the 50’s, the Pittsburgh Penguins have a vast range of players in this section. Many important players appear from in the 50s, juxtaposed by former role players at other numbers in this section. From superstar defenceman to utility forwards, the following players have contributed enough to be recognized as the Penguin’s best players at their respective sweater numbers.
Best Penguins by the Sweater: 51-60
#51 – Dave Roche
Among a thin list, Roche is the best player to wear the #51 sweater for the Pittsburgh Penguins. Playing as a left wing from 1995 to 1998, Roche brought physicality and grit to the Penguins. Over 132 games with the team, he recorded 12 goals and 12 assists for 24 points. Known for his gritty style of play, Roche also amassed 285 penalty minutes during his time with the organization. His ability to provide a physical presence on the ice and occasionally pitch in offence makes him the top player to have worn the #51 jersey for the Penguins.
Honourable Mentions: Derrick Pouliot (Defenceman) – 14 points in 67 games.
#52 – Mark Friedman
In a spot without many notable options, Mark Friedman stands out as the best player to wear the #52 jersey for the Pittsburgh Penguins. A defenceman known for his physical play and versatility, Friedman played 54 games with the Penguins, recording 4 goals and 7 assists for a total of 11 points. While his time with the team wasn’t particularly remarkable, it doe make him the top player in a sparse group of candidates for this jersey number. Friedman’s ability to step into the lineup and provide steady two-way play on the bottom pairing make him the best #52 for the Penguins.
Honourable Mentions: Rusty Fitzgerald (Centre) – 4 points in 25 games. Emil Bemstrom (Right Wing) – 5 points in 24 games.
#53 – Teddy Blueger
Teddy Blueger is the best and only player to wear the #53 sweater for the Pittsburgh Penguins. As an excellent bottom-six forward, Blueger played a crucial role in the team’s lineup from 2018 to 2023. Known for his defensive acumen and penalty-killing, Blueger brought stability to the Penguins’ bottom six. Over 250 games, he recorded 33 goals and 59 assists, totaling 92 points. Blueger was an integral part of an outstanding fourth line, alongside Zach Aston-Reese and Brandon Tanev , known for their energy shut-down ability. His contributions to the team’s depth and defensive efforts solidify his place as the top player to have worn the #53 jersey for the Penguins.
Honourable Mentions: No other players have worn #53 for the Penguins.
#54 – Alexandre Picard
In a list with limited options, Alexandre Picard is the best player to wear the #54 sweater for the Pittsburgh Penguins. As a defenseman, Picard played 17 games with the Penguins. He recorded 1 goal and 3 assists for a total of 4 points. While his impact on the team was modest, his tenure was enough to place him at the top of a sparse list of candidates for this jersey number.
Honourable Mentions: Thomas Di Pauli (Centre) – 0 points in 2 games.
#55 – Larry Murphy
In a tough decision, Larry Murphy gets the honours as best player to wear the #55 sweater for the Pittsburgh Penguins. A prolific defenseman, Murphy played 336 games with the Penguins from 1990 to 1995, recording 78 goals and 223 assists for a total of 301 points. His exceptional playmaking abilities and offensive contributions from the blue line were crucial to the Penguins’ success. Murphy was an integral part of the team during their back-to-back Stanley Cup victories in 1991 and 1992. While Sergei Gonchar , another incredible defenceman to wear #55, was highly considered for this spot, Murphy edges out Gonchar due to his greater overall contributions and being part of two championship teams compared to Gonchar’s one. Murphy’s impact on the ice and his role in the Penguins’ dominance in the early 90s cement his place as the top player to have worn the #55 jersey.
Honourable Mentions: Sergei Gonchar (Defenceman) – 259 points in 352 games. Ric Jackman (Defenceman) – 52 points in 74 games.
#56 – Sergei Zubov
Sergei Zubov is the best player to wear the #56 sweater for the Pittsburgh Penguins. A Hall of Fame defenceman, Zubov played 64 games with the Penguins during the 1995-1996 season. He recorded 11 goals and 55 assists for a total of 66 points during this time. Known for his remarkable offensive skills and vision, Zubov made an impact during his short stint with the team. While his time with the Penguins was brief, his ability to contribute both offensively and defensively give him his place as the top player to have worn the #56 jersey for the Penguins.
#57 – Marcel Goc
Marcel Goc is the best player to wear the #57 sweater for the Pittsburgh Penguins. Playing centre from 2014 to 2015, Goc was primarily utilized as a 4C during a period when the team struggled with depth. In 55 games with the Penguins, Goc recorded 2 goals and 6 assists for a total of 8 points. Known for his reliable defensive play and faceoff skill, Goc provided experience to the Penguins’ bottom-six forward group. His role as a dependable fourth-line center during a challenging time for the team make him the top player to have worn the #57 jersey for the Penguins.
Honourable Mentions: Shawn Heins (Defenceman) – 2 points in 27 games. Anthony Angello (Centre) – 5 points in 31 games.
#58 – Kris Letang
Kris Letang may be the only player to wear the #58 sweater for the Pittsburgh Penguins, but he is also the greatest defenceman in team history. Over his long career with the Penguins, Letang has played 1087 games, recording 166 goals and 576 assists for a total of 742 points. Known for his exceptional skating, offensive skills, and defensive reliability, Letang has been a cornerstone of the Penguins’ blue line. He was integral to the team’s Stanley Cup victories in 2009 and 2016. While he is the only player to have worn the #58 jersey for the Penguins, his impact and legacy are unmatched. Letang has earned himself the title of franchise legend.
Honourable Mentions: No other players have worn #58 for the Penguins.
#59 – Jake Guentzel
Jake Guentzel is far and away the best player to wear the #59 sweater for the Pittsburgh Penguins. Over 503 games, Guentzel has become a prolific scorer and an essential part of the team’s success, recording 219 goals and 247 assists for a total of 466 points. Known for his chemistry with Sidney Crosby , Guentzel’s exceptional play and contributions were crucial during the 2017 Stanley Cup run. A former third-round pick, Guentzel worked his way into becoming a superstar forward capable of scoring 40 goals. In addition to his on-ice excellence, Guentzel’s value extended off the ice. He was traded at the 2024 trade deadline, returning assets like Micheal Bunting. Guentzel’s impact with the Penguins cement his place as the top player to have worn the #59 jersey.
Honourable Mentions: Jayson Megna (Center) – 10 points in 48 games. Robert Dome (Right Wing) – 14 points in 52 games.
#60 – N/A (No players have played for the Penguins while wearing #60).
The Penguins have had a lot of success as an organization. This success would not have been possible without the contributions of many players on this list. The nine players in this list represent the best to have worn jersey numbers #51 to #60 for the Penguins organization. Each player’s stories with the team have helped shape the legacy of the Pittsburgh Penguins. As we wait to see if the Penguins are closer to contenders or pretenders next season, looking back on the past can be a fun way to analyze the team put forth by the organization in the present.
Main Photo: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
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