I don't understand the argument that he was only in Pittsburgh for a certain amount of time during his career. What does that matter when he is second all-time in the offensive categories for the Pens as of right now? He will always be one of the greatest Penguins ever no matter. When trying to decide whether or not his number should be retired that argument will not affect my opinion. Ron Francis didn't play his whole career here but I believe he should have his number retired. If we base it on that then there wouldn't be many numbers retired since it's becoming rare that players stay with one team throughout their career.
I will always remember some of his greatest moments as a Penguin like the game-tying goal in Game 1 in the SCF against the Blackhawks or the goal he scored while on his back swinging the puck out of the air against the Flyers, however, I equally remember him sulking and quiting in the ECF against the Devils. The way he thumbed his nose at Lemieux when there was talk of him coming here still leaves me disgusted.
I know there are still people that want him to come back and I'm definitely not one of them. Not because of the way he acted but because he's old and hasn't done anything in the playoffs for years. Too many fans are nostalgic and want to bring back old Penguin players .
I can see both sides of this topic. It's tough but if he would have came back instead of chasing the money, which he always has done, then my decision would be for the number to be retired. However, I would have to say no because he could care less about the organization and he doesn't know the meaning of the word loyal. Though I have absolutely no problem with people saying that it should be retired. I have more of a stronger opinion of him returning than I do on his number being retired.
Ron Francis doesn't belong up there either. 1/3 of his career or 7 full seasons of 21.
That's why it should be kept in tight company.
Not many players deserve the nod to be up there period.
The criteria list should be long as well their tenure.
Jagr comes the closest to being one without actually being one. Make a sacrifice and stick it out a bit longer and he would have it with me.
1.They better have tenure. (Most of their career)
2.If not tenure there better be a dynasty run of championships. (3 or more) No. they don't have to be consecutive.
3.Have many acolades to why they are great. (Awards/trophies)
That's a tall order just for a short list, it could go on.
Jagr has 1 of three, and Francis has none of three, of some of the important parts to be considered.
Did you know there's only one Penguin who was a Pen for his whole career who has over 500 goals? The rest are transplants.
There's a reason Mario is up there, and putting a guy like Jagr up there who couldn't do it on his own, tarnishes the thought of doing it in the first place. Being second all time isn't being a distent second all-time.
If you make the criterial standards low you'll be without numbers left to play with.
Right now if both Crosby and Malkin had to retire or just retired with out it being of serious health issues, are not worthy either. It's looking like they'll need either more championships and a lot..... more tenure/points.
There's reasons why some of the greats are up in the rafters, and deservedly so.
They put their time, brought championships(more than two), sacrificed, and put forth a lot of effort into the community.
Jagr didn't make the cut, sorry. He didn't sacrifice enough, and on top of it, ran when it got rough.
