Bill Guerin’s story with the Penguins begins at an age where most players have retired. Late in the 2009 season, the Penguins were on the rise, and Crosby was badly in need of a winger, when GM Ray Shero traded a third round pick to the Islanders for grizzled veteran, 38-year old Bill Guerin. Guerin had a no-trade clause in his contract with the Isles, but waved it when told he was going to an Eastern Conference contender. A few days prior, Guerin had been set for a trade to another team, but the deal fell through at the last minute. The wait was worth it however, as Guerin’s grit and leadership, along with his 7 goals and 15 playoff points (including one overtime game winner), propelled the Penguins to their third Stanley Cup and first since 1992. When Sidney Crosby received the Stanley Cup from commissioner Gary Bettmen, he passed it to Guerin first for a celebratory lap around the ice.

Guerin entered the league in 1991-92 with the New Jersey Devils, selected 5th overall in the ‘89 entry draft. Over the course of an 18-year career he compiled 429 goals, 427 assists; perhaps representative of how complete his game was. In his prime Guerin was a 30 goal scorer, twice scoring 40 or more goals, and appeared in one all-star game. After retiring, he joined the Penguins as an assistant GM, and is now the GM of the Minnesota Wild. In 2013 Guerin was inducted into the US Hockey Hall of Fame, sitting at #15 all time in points.

This throwback jersey was worn in two games, as Guerin was acquired late in the season. It shows decent wear all things considered, with a few scattered marks, loose threads, and heavy pilling around the cuffs. It is matched to both games in which it was worn.