The Tampa Bay Lightning will retire forward Martin St. Louis‘ number prior to their game against the Columbus Blue Jackets Friday.
His No. 26 will be the first number ever retired by the Lightning, the team he played 13 seasons of his 17-year career with.
“It’s an honour,” St. Louis said to Dan Rosen of NHL.com. “Just getting your jersey retired is quite the honour, and obviously to be the first one I think makes it even more special.”
The 41-year-old helped the Lightning to their first and only Stanley Cup in 2004 under John Tortorella.
According to St. Louis, selecting Jan. 13 when Tortorella would be in the building as the current head coach of the Blue Jackets was no coincidence.
He continues to be Tampa Bay’s all-time leader in points (953), assists (588), power-play points (300), shorthanded goals (28), shorthanded points (44), game-winning goals (64), and overtime goals (10).
Over his career, St. Louis amassed 391 goals and 642 assists.