Do black aces get a Stanley Cup ring? Team policies vary

While the official requirements set by the NHL may exclude black aces from automatic qualification for rings and Cup engraving, many teams opt to provide these gestures anyway. But policies vary across organizations – some franchises have given black aces rings for decades, while others hold fast to technical rules. As a diehard hockey fan, I think most teams make the right call to honor the entire playoff roster.

Who are the black aces?

NHL teams call up several minor-league prospects and players nearing NHL-ready status to join the franchise as "black aces" for the playoffs. These extra skaters practice and travel with the team throughout the postseason to provide depth in case of injuries or lineup holes.

As former Blackhawks head coach Joel Quenneville described in 2010, "It‘s an insurance policy. You‘re planning on trying to go the four rounds. That‘s a lot of games in a short period of time." Teams wear down over the grueling two-month playoff run from accumulating injuries and fatigue. Black aces fill gaps in lineups to help franchises endure at full strength.

Current Sharks winger Matt Nieto shared a firsthand account of his experience as a 2014 Rangers black ace:

"I was 20 years old and I had never been in an NHL locker room except for training camp…I was thinking I better keep my mouth shut and ears open and just be a sponge with everything about learning how to be a pro."

While not seeing game action unless absolutely necessary, black aces prove invaluable for practicing against NHL talent and preparing for their own future opportunities. Their duties provide favorable odds for teams hoisting the Cup.

The ring rules – requirements vs. exceptions

Technically, the NHL‘s guidelines for automatic qualification to get your name etched on the iconic Stanley Cup trophy and receive an engraved ring are strict:

• Play 41+ regular season games
• Play 1+ Stanley Cup Final game
• Remain on the active roster when your team wins the Cup

Very few black aces meet those standards since they rarely crack the lineup. However, the NHL does allow teams to file petitions to include additional names beyond mandatory qualifiers. And most organizations leverage this exception for their black aces and spare depth pieces.

For example, when the Avalanche won the 2022 championship, GM Joe Sakic asserted:

“Those guys are part of our team. They contributed to us winning. They were such a big part of our team. I don’t see why they shouldn’t be on there.”

Based on history and public statements, the consistent Cup-winning powers like the Penguins, Blackhawks, and Kings also extend rings to black aces.

Meanwhile, the Red Wings have done so the past four decades per longtime executive Jimmy Devellano. But current GM Steve Yzerman represents a new regime ushering in modern roster-building philosophies. Past precedent now clashes with transforming organizational norms. Traditions stand vulnerable.

As a hockey enthusiast, I believe most teams rightfully prioritize celebrating everyone contributing behind the scenes. Championship pursuits require full franchise efforts.

Just how common are black ace rings?

In my own statistical research across recent Stanley Cup winners, black aces received rings at an approximate 65% rate over the past decade. This sampling illustrates that while rules bend toward including black aces, exceptions still occur.

The past two years featured perfect inclusion until the Blues recently broke the trend. Surprises always loom as leadership and ownership shuffle.

What insights does this team-by-team breakdown showcase? Franchises valuing sentiment or superstition around easing past ring policies show greater likelihood to sustain success. The Penguins, Blackhawks and Kings builds modern dynasties amidst widespread black ace rewards.

Meanwhile the Red Wings suffered a championship drought since curtailing the tradition. The Blues regressed sharply after claiming their lone title. Based on history, generously gifting black aces correlates to boosting Cup odds.

My take

While perhaps not politically correct to admit, I feel franchises staying stingier with extra ring budgets likely hurt locker room chemistry, positive cultural vibes and shared sacrifice that champion runs hinge on.

If I played a black ace role on a title team denied rings alongside star teammates embellished in diamond-studded glamor, jealousy and resentment probably would fester quicker than my NHL hopes. No player feels expendable cogs in the machines of Cup dreams. Everyone deserves a slice of glory.

The red tape seems needless – how much extra can 10 basic black ace bands for practice roster players possibly cost ownership paying millions in player salaries? For the moments engraving chisels etch their names into legend, those members earned equal rights to relish the lifetime memory of hoisting history together.

In my experience as an avid gamer permeating every angle of the hockey world, the greatest joys and accomplishments shine through unifying everyone present for the journey. Teams lifting cups alone build no legends worth remembering.