The Legacy of No. 16: Morgan Frost’s Arrival in Calgary
When the Calgary Flames acquired Morgan Frost in a trade with the Vancouver Canucks in November 2023, he became the first skater to wear the No. 16 jersey since Nikita Zadorov. This trade marked a significant moment in the team’s history, as it allowed fans and enthusiasts to reflect on the players who have donned this iconic number. According to the sweater history at Hockey Reference, Frost is the 25th player in franchise history to wear No. 16, a number that has been associated with some of the most notable skaters in the Flames’ past.
Nikita Zadorov: The Modern Enforcer
Nikita Zadorov, who wore No. 16 from 2022 to 2024, ranks fifth among the best Calgary Flames players to have donned this number. Zadorov played 177 games for the Flames, scoring 19 goals and 49 points, while collecting 180 penalty minutes. Known for his physical play, Zadorov was a defenseman who never shied away from a hit, racking up a total of 409 during his time in Calgary. His first season with the Flames, 2021-2022, saw him set a career-high with 22 points, and he followed this up with a personal best of 14 goals the following season. Zadorov’s presence on the ice provided a formidable defensive presence, making him a valuable asset to the team.
Shean Donovan: The Versatile Forward
Shean Donovan is another player who made a significant impact while wearing No. 16, skating in the jersey for over 100 games and collecting more than 100 penalty minutes. His three-year tenure with the Flames from 2003 to 2006 saw him finish with 65 points, coming the closest to scoring 100 points of any player on this list. Despite playing for six other NHL clubs, Donovan’s best single-season performance came with the Flames in 2003-2004, where he scored 18 goals, 24 assists, and a total of 42 points. This season stands out as the only time in his 15-year career that he surpassed 25 points, making his time in Calgary a notable highlight in his career.
Bobby Leiter: The Pioneer
Bobby Leiter, the first player in franchise history to wear No. 16, skated with the Atlanta Flames for five seasons from 1972 to 1976. Leiter, a ten-year NHL veteran, had his best campaign with the Flames, including a remarkable 60-point season in 1972-73. He was a two-time 26-goal scorer, achieving this feat in consecutive seasons from 1973 to 1974. Almost 50 years since he last skated with the Flames, Leiter remains the third-highest scorer to wear No. 16, a testament to his contributions during the franchise’s early years.
Cory Stillman: The Scoring Machine
Cory Stillman, the second-best scoring player to wear No. 16, donned the jersey for all but ten games during his tenure with the Calgary Flames from 1995 to 2001. Stillman, a two-time Stanley Cup champion, was the sixth overall pick in the 1992 Draft and began his 16-year career in red. At the age of 24, Stillman scored a career-high 27 goals in the 1997-98 season, a feat he repeated the following year. Although he would go on to score over 70 and 80 points with other teams, he never reached 27 goals again. Stillman’s scoring prowess and consistent performance make him a standout among the players who have worn No. 16 for the Flames.
Guy Chouinard: The Franchise Icon
Guy Chouinard stands as the best player to wear No. 16 in the history of the Calgary Flames. He played nine seasons with the organization, starting in Atlanta and continuing in Calgary after the team’s relocation in 1980. Chouinard’s impressive totals include 193 goals and 336 assists for 529 points. As of 2025, he remains the ninth-highest scoring player in team history. Although the details are a bit fuzzy, Chouinard wore No. 16 for five games during his first NHL call-up in 1974-75. He briefly switched to No. 10 for four games in 1975-76 but reclaimed No. 16 when Bobby Leiter left in 1976. Chouinard continued to wear the number in both Atlanta and Calgary until he switched to No. 7 during his final season with the Flames in 1982-83. His long and successful career with the Flames makes him a legendary figure for the franchise.
Reflecting on the Jersey’s History
The No. 16 jersey has a rich history with the Calgary Flames, representing a blend of toughness, versatility, and scoring prowess. Each player who has donned this number has left a unique mark on the team’s legacy, from the physical presence of Nikita Zadorov to the scoring machine that was Cory Stillman, and the franchise icon Guy Chouinard. As Morgan Frost steps into the role, he carries the weight of this legacy, adding a new chapter to the storied history of the Flames. Do you have a favorite player who wore No. 16 with the Flames? Share your thoughts in the comments.
