Why Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner wears number 74

As far as jersey numbers go, there are few as uncommon as number 74. In fact, just 33 players have donned that number.

In Edmonton, the only other player to wear that jersey beyond Stuart Skinner was Ethan Bear, who gave up the number this past offseason after being traded.

Among those 33 players, only one other goaltender has worn 74 being Juuse Saros, who currently plays for the Nashville Predators.

And for Skinner, 74 is close to his heart.

“Growing up I had three brothers,” said Skinner after getting his first NHL win Thursday. “My first brother that was born, he’s always been 71. My next brother was 72, my next brother was 73, so I had to decide between 70 and 74, so I went with 74.”

I’ve always wondered why players choose certain numbers, and I love when players like Skinner have a story behind their jersey number.