Why won't the Bruins retire 1 & 30?
All four goaltenders have incredible resumes and are more than qualified to represent their respective number in the rafters of the Garden. When going over all the records, stats, and accomplishments, it’s hard to think of a concrete explanation for why the Bruins organization has never retired 1 or 30 for any of these players. There are a handful of reasons that could be brought up as to why the franchise has had cold feet retiring the two numbers, but all the reasons are easily refuted.
They are traditional goalie numbers
The numbers 1 and 30 are considered as hockey’s traditional goaltender digits. Since the beginning of the numbering system, goalies were handed the number 1. Number 30 gained popularity once the NHL implemented the rule that teams must dress two goaltenders for each game in 1965. It became a staple just as the number 1 before long.
So maybe the Bruins don’t want to get rid of the option for their goalies to wear the traditional numbers for their position, even Jeremy Swayman is donning the 1 currently. However, goalies have moved away from only sporting traditional numbers. 1 and 30 are still among the top 5 most common numbers being worn by goalies this season (with 31, 35, and 40 being the three others) but net minders are wearing a variety of numbers in 2024. The other problem with this is that 12 teams have already retired 1 or 30, with the New York Rangers having retired both. So it would not be hockey blasphemy for the Bruins to retire traditional numbers 1 and 30.
Cheevers & the WHA
After the Bruins won the Stanley Cup in 1972, Cheevers decided to leave the team to join the Cleveland Crusaders of the WHA. The Bruins brought him, along with Derek Sanderson, to court in an attempt to block the players from jumping leagues, which ultimately failed on the Bruins' part. So maybe the Bruins don’t want to honor Cheevers over a soured relationship from the move?
That might make sense if this was the end of their relationship with Cheevers, but that is not the case. Cheevers came back to the Bruins three and a half years later after a financial dispute with Crusaders general manager Jack Vivian, and the Bruins welcomed him back with open arms. Bruins general manager Harry Sinden said the organization had been scouting Cheevers since he left. Cheevers finished his playing career with the B’s a few years later and took over as head coach until 1985.
Thomas's length of service
One of the main arguments made against Thomas’s number being retired is that he didn’t play long enough or that he only had ‘one or two good seasons’. While it is true that he was only the starting goalie for a relatively short period, what he accomplished in his time was significant and he is an integral part of Bruins history. Thomas holds multiple NHL and Bruins records, a slew of awards and trophies, and brought the Cup back to Boston for the first time since 1972.
It is unlikely the Bruins will retire number 1 as both Thompson and Brimsek have passed, and the most opportune time to have done it would have been during a centennial season ceremony. Jeremy Swayman is also currently wearing 1, so it is not exactly ideal timing to retire it. It remains to be seen whether or not they decide to retire 30 for Cheevers, Thomas, or both. There is still time, certainly for Thomas, as there will undoubtedly be a few of his teammates from the 2011 Stanley Cup team being honored in the future, and number 30 could join in on the celebrations.