Who Wore it Best? Greatest 30 in Blackhawks History

PUBLICATION

Sam Walker
June 14, 2023 (11:59 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

The Chicago Blackhawks sweater is one of the most recognizable uniforms in all of sports, with a logo that's widely recognized as the NHL's greatest. But who are the best players to don the iconic No. 30 jersey? 22 players have worn that number in franchise history and at the top of the list has to be Hall of Fame goaltender Eddie Belfour.

One of the greatest undrafted free agents in NHL history, Belfour signed with the Blackhawks in 1987 and ranks fourth in franchise history in games played (415) and wins (201) among goaltenders. "Eddie the Eagle" had a 2.65 goals against average, a .903 save percentage and 30 shutouts across eight seasons in Chicago. He upped his game in the playoffs, where he went 35-28 with a 2.50 GAA, a .912 save percentage and three shutouts in 68 appearances.

Belfour, who won the Calder Trophy (NHL's best rookie) in 1991 and won two Vezina trophies (league's best goalie) with Chicago in '91 and '93, also led the Hawks to the Stanley Cup Final in '92 and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2011.

He had a strong rookie season in 1990-91. He notched 43 victories in 74 games (both NHL rookie and Blackhawk team records), finished the season with a 2.47 GAA and four shutouts. He also led the league in save % (.910). It was the last time a goalie led the league in wins, save %, and GAA until Carey Price achieved the feat in the 2014�2015 season. Belfour was also a finalist for the Hart Memorial Trophy as the league's most valuable player, the first rookie goaltender to do so.

He was traded to the San Jose Sharks in January of 1997 and signed with the Dallas Stars in July of that year, where he led them to three consecutive Western Conference finals along with two consecutive Stanley Cup appearances, defeating Buffalo in 1999.

Throughout his career, Belfour has worn masks featuring an eagle on either side of his helmet. When asked why an eagle, he stated "I've always liked the eagle as a bird. It is a strong figure representing individuality, leadership, confidence, and outstanding vision. Its hunting and aggression are characteristics I admire, so when I was thinking of what I wanted on my mask, the eagle was a natural choice."

He also played three seasons for the Toronto Maple Leafs from 2002-05 and is the last Leafs goaltender to win a playoff series. He finished his career with one season as a Florida Panther where he started 27 consecutive games, a franchise record.

For his illustrious career, Belfour ranks fifth all-time in wins (484), fifth in games played (963) and is tied with fellow Blackhawks legend Tony Esposito for 10th in shutouts (76). Those are very impressive numbers for anyone, let alone an undrafted free agent.