so then Neely, and Taz are all getting removed from the rafters, right?
I would without a doubt take 24 down.
We have very different definitions of elite. Middleton is in the very good category, not elite.Middleton was an elite scorer and also a great 2 way player.
EraHe is 3rd all time in franchise history in goals, and 4th all time in points.
Th only 2 players to score more goal in franchise history...Bucyk and Espo.
And Bucyk needed 600 more games to score only 98 more goals than Middleton
The only players ahead of Middleton in points...Bourque, Bucyk and Espo
I believe that retiring numbers should be for the truly elite guys. Orr, Shore, Bourque? Without question
Esposito, Schmidt? Yes.
Clapper, Bucyk? Sure okay
Neely? Ugh stretching it a bit here
Hitchman? First Bruins captian to win a cup, okay.
Bruins are going to retire 33 and 37 and they probably deserve it. However, one more good season from Marchand puts him in Middleton range, and I wouldn't retire his number.
Also I would retire #1