Best Penguins by Jersey Number: #31

The Pittsburgh Penguins have a rich history filled with talented players who have donned the team’s jersey over the years. Today, we delve into the legacy of the best player to wear the number 31 for the Penguins.

Throughout the history of the Penguins, 12 players have sported the number 31, with the majority of them being goaltenders. However, one exception was LW Carl Mokosak in 1987. Among the notable players who wore the number 31 include Nick Ricci, Ron Tugnutt, and Sebastien Caron. But the standout performer who takes the top spot for this jersey number is Ken Wregget.

Ken Wregget, a key figure in the Penguins’ goaltending history, represented the team from 1992 to 1998. He began his professional journey after being drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the third round of the 1982 NHL Entry Draft. Wregget spent several seasons with the Leafs before moving on to the Philadelphia Flyers and eventually landing with the Penguins during the 1991-92 season.

While primarily serving as a backup to Tom Barrasso during his time in Pittsburgh, Wregget seized his opportunities, especially when injuries or inconsistent performances opened the door for him to showcase his skills on the ice. Interestingly, Wregget’s game seemed to improve with age, particularly during his peak seasons from 1994 to 1998. During this period, he maintained an impressive .904 save percentage, a 3.11 goals-against average, and compiled a solid 65-45-12 record.

One of the most memorable moments in Wregget’s career came during the 1996 playoffs when he made a crucial save on a penalty shot in double-overtime against the Washington Capitals. This pivotal moment shifted the momentum in favor of the Penguins, leading them to a quadruple-overtime victory and ultimately securing the series win in six games.

Following his tenure with the Penguins, Wregget went on to play for the Calgary Flames and the Detroit Red Wings, with his standout season occurring in Calgary at the age of 34, where he posted impressive stats with a 2.53 goals-against average and a .906 save percentage. Wregget concluded his playing career after the 1999-2000 season with a career GAA of 3.63 and a save percentage of .885.

In addition to Wregget, honorable mentions for wearing the number 31 jersey for the Penguins go to Carl Mokosak and Sebastien Caron. Each player contributed in their own right, but it is Wregget who stands out as the top performer associated with this iconic jersey number in Pittsburgh Penguins history.