The Chicago Blackhawks have always been cautious with jersey retirements. Only a select few names hang at the United Center, and every one of them left a permanent mark on the franchise. Now that the dynasty years of the 2010s are in the books, the debate begins: which players deserve to join legends like Mikita, Hull, Savard, Esposito, and Hossa? What about others still waiting for recognition?
Jonathan Toews – The Standard of Leadership
Jonathan Toews’ career with the Blackhawks was defined by leadership as much as statistics. In 1,067 games, he posted 372 goals and 883 points, ranking 6th all-time in franchise scoring. He is also one of only eight players in team history to skate in more than 1,000 games with Chicago.
Toews was the engine behind three Stanley Cup championships (2010, 2013, 2015), winning the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2010 and the Selke Trophy in 2013. For over a decade, “Captain Serious” embodied the identity of the Blackhawks. From game-winning goals to Olympic gold medals, his legacy is as much about culture as performance. His #19 is not in question—it will be in the rafters.
Patrick Kane – Showtime in Chicago
If Toews was the heartbeat, Patrick Kane was the electricity. Over 1,161 games, Kane tallied 471 goals and 1,237 points, becoming the most dynamic American-born scorer in NHL history. He sits top three in franchise history for goals, assists, and points, trailing only Mikita and Hull in several categories.
His trophy case speaks for itself: Calder, Hart, Art Ross, Conn Smythe. Fans still remember his 2010 Stanley Cup–winning goal in Philadelphia, his dazzling stickhandling, and his clutch scoring. Kane turned highlight-reel moments into routine nights. Like Toews, his jersey is a lock. The only question is whether #88 goes up the day he retires or soon after.
Duncan Keith – The Dynasty’s Backbone
Few defensemen in NHL history could match Duncan Keith’s workload during Chicago’s run of success. In 1,192 games, Keith logged over 25 minutes a night, won two Norris Trophies, and captured the Conn Smythe in 2015 after one of the greatest postseason performances ever by a defenseman.
Keith stands as the second-most games played in team history behind Stan Mikita, and he is second among Chicago defensemen in both assists and points. His 646 points and ability to control play under pressure made him the anchor of the Blackhawks’ blue line. Like Toews and Kane, his number is a certainty. The question is timing: with Hossa honored in 2022 and Chelios in 2024, is Keith the next to be celebrated? Could his #2 be raised during the Blackhawks’ centennial year?
Brent Seabrook – Warrior or Just Short?
Here’s where the debate begins. Brent Seabrook spent 15 years in Chicago, playing 1,114 games and recording 464 points. He didn’t win Norris Trophies like Keith or Chelios, but Seabrook was the warrior every team needs. His timely overtime goal against Detroit in the 2013 playoffs is etched in Blackhawks lore.
Compared to Keith (1,192 GP, 646 PTS, Conn Smythe, two Norris) or Chelios (664 GP, 487 PTS, Norris), Seabrook’s case is weaker statistically. Doug Wilson, another Chicago great, tallied 779 points in 938 games. But none of them had Seabrook’s combination of leadership, loyalty, and role in three Stanley Cups.
Is that enough to raise #7 a second time, alongside Chelios? For many fans, the emotional answer is yes—but historically, the Blackhawks have set the bar very high.
Steve Larmer – The Forgotten Star
If there’s one omission that still bothers longtime fans, it’s Steve Larmer. Over 13 seasons in Chicago, Larmer scored 406 goals and 923 points in 891 games. He ranks 4th in goals, 7th in assists, and 5th in points in franchise history. His Calder Trophy in 1983 and 884-game iron-man streak proved his durability and consistency.
Larmer’s production outpaces several players already in the rafters, yet his #28 remains absent. He never won a Cup in Chicago, which may explain the hesitation, but by pure numbers and consistency, his case is stronger than Seabrook’s. If Toews, Kane, and Keith are automatic, Larmer is the one who deserves to finally be recognized.
The Verdict
The Blackhawks dynasty produced three automatic jersey retirements: Toews, Kane, and Keith. Brent Seabrook’s case is built on leadership and playoff moments, but his stats fall short compared to Chelios and Wilson. Steve Larmer, on the other hand, has the resume and consistency—he’s one of the top five scorers in franchise history—and may be the most overdue.
Chicago has always been selective, but the time is coming for the rafters to grow crowded again. With the centennial year approaching, the Blackhawks have a perfect opportunity to celebrate their modern legends.
Time to put Larmer’s up
i feel the same way. Thanks for your comment today.
Larmer should be next, then Keith. Not a fan of retired numbers, just hang the sweater with name.
Thanks for the comment! I agree with you on this one — Larmer should definitely be next, followed by Keith. Both guys left a big mark on the Hawks and deserve that recognition.
I have been a proponent of putting Larmer in the rafters for years. I had season tickets while he was with the Hawks, and he was one of the best right wingers in the game. Played O and D. If it wasn’t for Sutter, he would have stayed a Hawk. It is time.
Thanks for sharing this! Having season tickets during Larmer’s time must have been special — he was one of the most complete wingers in the game. You’re right, he played both ends of the ice and gave everything to the Hawks. It really is time to see him in the rafters.