Jersey numbers are more than just printed texts on the back of a player’s uniform. Wear it long enough, and a number becomes just as iconic as the player who wore it. So much so, that the NHL has retired numbers such as Wayne Gretkzy’s no. 99. However, Mikko Rantanen just showed how far players are willing to acquire a coveted jersey number.

Unlike the legendary Gordie Howe, who exchanged no. 17 for his now iconic no.9 just because he “got a lower berth on the train, which was much nicer than crawling into the top bunk,” the Finnish forward possibly paid the highest price for a jersey number exchange at $10,800. Even then, Rantanen deal with Jack Roslovic for no. 96 nearly didn’t materialize.

A Good Samaritan came to Mikko Rantanen’s rescue

While all former Colorado Avalanche players had to do was ask Roslovic to exchange their jersey numbers, the American had a demand. In a video featuring the duo, Roslovic could be heard asking the elite NHL forward, if he had Roslovic’s watch ready. Unfortunately, the watch the center asked for was among the most sought-after Rolex watches, a 41mm Datejust.

Besides costing $10,800 or more, the bigger problem with the watch is availability, with waitlists extending up to years. Unfortunately, time wasn’t a luxury the Finnish national could afford if he wanted to keep playing as no. 96. Thankfully, fellow Fin Joonas Salmela came to the NHL star’s rescue. The Helsinki Watch and Gold sales representative happened to have exactly what Rantanen needed.

Having donated to the Mikko Rantanen Academy in the past, they contacted the former Avalanche forward without much of a hassle. It was the lifeline Rantanen was looking for. “The watch model that Rantanen and Roslovic wanted is very sought after and challenging to obtain in the regular market, but we happened to have one available,” Salmela said as per The Hockey News.

Such exchanges aren’t anything new. Los Angeles Kings star Luc Robitaille paying for Ray Ferraro’s family vacation to Hawaii in exchange for keeping no. 21 comes to mind. However, even that may not have been as expensive as this one. Especially because neither Carolina Hurricane player knew that another surprise was on the way from Finland.

Jack Roslovic got more than he asked for

The Helsinki Watch and Gold just weren’t satisfied by simply helping the Finnish star get his desired jersey number. Instead, they went above and beyond, creating two unique gifts for Mikko Rantanen and Jack Roslovic. That surprise came in from two hand-made 925-silver chains made by Robert Tarkkanen, the youngest master goldsmith in Finland.

Tarkkanen also crafted and engraved the ’96’ and ’98’ pendants for Rantanen and Roslovic respectively. Each pendant had the player’s name and a map of the nations engraved on them. Although Helsinki Watch and Gold didn’t disclose how much they cost, it shouldn’t come as a surprise if the handmade jewelry from a master craftsman costs even more than Roslovic’s Rolex.

The wholesome news comes amid uncertainty about Mikko Rantanen’s long-term journey with the Hurricanes. While the elite forward joined the Canes in a blockbuster three-team deal, the Carolina Hurricanes need to secure the NHL star with a contract extension. There’s a possibility Rantanen might free agent if things don’t work out. Yet who knows? Maybe getting his desired jersey number might be the first positive sign for the Finnish forward.