Gurglesons
Registered User
Nobody is forcing it, but I'll bet it happens if Jagr is open to it and I'm in favor of it. Doesn't mean others don't have legitimate arguments against it.
The thing I've noticed with those that are against is that they are using Lemieux as the standard. That's an incredibly high standard and one Sid and Geno can't touch either. I also agree that both Sid and Geno had bigger Stanley Cup moments than Jagr overall, but it's hard to compare them to Jagr because when it was HIS team, he didn't have a Geno or Sid with him. His personal accomplishments with the team were historic and he's such a big part of the history of the franchise, IMO, that it warrants at least serious consideration of a jersey retirement.
There would have to be a "coming home" of sorts, like the Ducks had with Kariya. It took time for Paul to come back to hockey and be open to jersey retirement, but he got there. Jagr would have to come back, do some media stuff, say a speech in front of all the fans, etc. If he's willing to do all that, I bet it happens.
Sid and Geno most certainly touch Lemieux if they stay career Penguins. Three cups, three Smythe, Sid is arguably top five all time. Malkin floats in that 20-30 realm in terms of forwards.
Jagr has Francis and Lemieux for multiple years. He just never did anything with them. Then he had Straka, Lang and Kovalev two years later. Let’s not try to sell Jagr as being on an island.
All five of his Art Ross’s game with either of those combinations on the team.97-98 had no Lemieux but he still had Francis, Lang and Straka.