What’s in a number?

Born on Jan. 13, 1997, Connor McDavid wears No. 97 on his jersey — not unlike the choice Sidney Crosby made. The Pittsburgh Penguins’ star centre was born in 1987 and is the owner of the number 87. It may not be a coincidence that Crosby is also the player McDavid has long admired. So who else has worn in the No. 97?

Very few players in the NHL as it turns out — none in an Oilers jersey. Here are the players and the teams they played for when they wore No. 97:

Matt Gilroy, defence, New York Rangers, Ottawa Senators, Tampa Bay Lightning, Florida Panthers

Jeremy Roenick, centre, Phoenix Coyotes, Philadelphia Flyers, Los Angeles Kings

Per Ledin, right-wing, Colorado Avalanche

Esa Tikkanen, left-wing, Florida Panthers

Rostislav Klesla, defence, Columbus Blue Jackets