The Pittsburgh Penguins’ organizational history has a plethora of great players, and we’ve decided to go through the best Penguins’ players to wear each jersey number. Today, we continue the list by naming the best #23 in Penguins’ history.
There have been 35 players in Penguins’ history who have worn #23, but there aren’t too many standout names. There are a few that come to mind – Eddie Shack, Randy Hillier, and Andy Brickley.
And there was one guy who wore two different numbers during his time with the Penguins but had two of his three best seasons wearing #23. That player is Rod Schutt.
Schutt was drafted 13th overall by the Montreal Canadiens in the first round of the 1976 NHL Draft, and he played two NHL games for the Canadiens in 1977-78. Then, one of the most infamous trades in NHL history – allegedly – happened.
According to former Pittsburgh goaltender Greg Millen, Then-Penguins” GM Baz Bastian was talking to the Canadiens about acquiring “Schutt.” The price was a first-rounder, to which Bastian happily obliged.
Apparently, when Schutt arrived in the locker room, Bastian announced how it was an honor to have All-Star Steve Schutt on the Penguins.
So, yes. Bastian thought the Schutt that he acquired was Hall-of-Famer Steve Schutt, not AHL star Rod Schutt.
Nonetheless, the Penguins gave the former first round pick every opportunity to succeed, and he did have three successful seasons right off the bat for the Penguins. Between 1978-80, Schutt registered 60 goals and 144 points in 227 games, and he had the opportunity to play with guys like Rick Kehoe and Greg Malone.
Unfortunately, after the 1979-80 season, his play and his ability to stay healthy rapidly declined. Schutt played only 51 games over his last three seasons in Pittsburgh and spent some time at the AHL level.
His final season in the NHL was with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1985-86, and he played in only six games. He finished his NHL career with 77 goals and 169 points in 286 games.
Honorable Mentions: Eddie Shack, Randy Hillier, Andy Brickley
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