Washington Capitals Retired Numbers

Yvon Labre #7

Yvon Labre’s No. 7 was the first number retired by the Caps, primarily for his community service work. A stay-at-home defenseman, he played seven seasons in Washington, from 1974-1981. He was also captain of the team from 1975-1978. The Caps had a lousy record during this time but Labre remained a positive presence.

Number retired November 7, 1981.

 

 

Rod Langway #5

Rod Langway was a stalwart defensive defenseman. He played 11 seasons for the Caps, also serving as captain during that time, and won two Norris trophies as the best defenseman in the NHL.

This is one of the few goals he scored, near the end of his career to win a playoff game in overtime.

He still often makes appearances at home games.

Number retired November 26, 1997.

Dale Hunter #32

Dale Hunter brought leadership, fire and clutch play to the Caps. He became captain and is the only member of the 300 goals, 3000 penalty minutes club.

The highlights (and lowlights) of Hunter’s career feature so prominently that it bears mentioning that his No. 32 is hanging up in the rafters of Capital One Arena. Hunter’s number was handed to him at his first training camp.

The Caps traded the 15th overall pick (who turned out to be Joe Sakic) in the 1987 NHL Draft to the Quebec Nordiques for Dale Hunter because they badly needed a winner. He delivered in overtime of Game 7 of the Patrick Division semifinals against the Flyers, one year after the heartbreak of the Easter Epic.

He also served as coach of the Caps for less than a season before stepping down.

Number retired March 11, 2000.

Mike Gartner #11

Mike Gartner was the first player inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame primarily as a Caps player, even though he played for several teams. Though he wasn’t a superstar, at least compared to other players of his era, he scored 708 career goals, 397 of which were in Washington. Gartner holds the NHL record for most 30-goal seasons (16), which would make him a superstar today, but not in the high-flying ‘80s.

Number retired December 28, 2008.

Info compiled by Derek Norin

Back to top button