Washington Capitals That Wore 8 Before Ovechkin

Looking at players who wore number 8 with the Washington Capitals before Ovechkin came into the league in 2006.

Larry Murphy
2004-05 In The Game Franchises #441

Larry Murphy (Defense)
Playing Career: 1980-2001
Teams: Kings, Capitals, North Stars, Penguins, Maple Leafs, Red Wings

Wore number 8 with the Caps from 1984-1989, and (North) Stars from 1989-1991.

The Hall of Famer switched to number 55 when he joined the Pittsburgh Penguins, and wore it for the rest of his career.

I also never realized that he started with the LA Kings, wearing number 5.

Bob Rouse
1990-91 Upper Deck #389

Bob Rouse (Defense)
Playing Career: 1983-2000
Teams: North Stars, Capitals, Maple Leafs, Red Wings, Sharks

I tend to associate Bob Rouse with number 3, but here he is wearing number 8 for the Washington Capitals from 1989-1991.

He managed to wear number 3 for every franchise he played for except Washington. He also briefly wore 22 and 28 with Minnesota and Toronto respectively, before switching to number 3, presumably when it became available.

Bob Rouse
1998-99 Upper Deck MVP #175

In addition to the Maple Leafs and Red Wings, I also never realized that Bob Rouse spent his final seasons with the San Jose Sharks.

Dmitri Khristich
1993-94 Upper Deck #135

Dmitri Khristich (Left Wing)
Playing Career: 1990-2002
Teams: Capitals, Kings, Bruins, Maple Leafs

Actually had two different stints with the Washington Capitals, beginning and finishing his career with the team.

Also wore 29, 12 and 19 when his usual number 8 wasn't available.

Jan Bulis
1999-00 SPx #162

Jan Bulis (Center)
Playing Career: 1997-2007
Teams: Capitals, Canadiens, Canucks
Wore number 8 for the Washington Capitals from 1998-2001, before switching to number 38.


















Other Caps to briefly wear the 8 include Ken Sabourin (1991), Richard Zednik (1996), Josh Green (2003) and Steve Eminger (2004).

Strangely enough, thirteen additional players wore number 8 from 1975-1983 (a span of eight years).