NHL may consider retiring another number league wide like 99
Tonight, the Pittsburgh Penguins will honour Jaromir Jagr by retiring his number 68 to the rafters just days after his 52nd birthday. With Jagr's number being retired in Pittsburgh, some fans around the NHL are making the case that #68 should be retired league-wide, like only Wayne Gretzky has.
In a recent article, Barstool sports argued that Jagr's number 68 deserves league wide recognition and retirement. Statistically, Jagr is the second best player of all time behind Gretzky. The living legend has played 1733 career games, and registered 766 goals and 1921 points. If not for several full seasons in the KHL and Czechia during the prime of his career, Jagr probably would've had a shot at the all-time goals record.
However, the fact that Jagr didn't achieve the career goal totals he could've to pursue playing overseas almost adds to the legend and mystique of one of hockey's most iconic global figures. Even still playing professionally at age 52, coming in to join team he owns to prevent them from being relegated to a lower league - these little traits are part of what makes Jagr one of the most talented and interesting hockey players ever.
In the end, he's a five time art Ross trophy champion, a Hart trophy winner, a three time Lester B Pearson award winner, and a two-time Stanley Cup Champion. As the owner of one of the most unique numbers in #68 too, Jagr does have a case for jersey retirement - but Wayne's #99 will still be the only undisputedly retired number.
| POLL | ||
Should the NHL retire #68? | ||
| No, Wayne's should be the only retired | 322 | 43.8 % |
| Yes, he's a legend and it's deserved | 248 | 33.7 % |
| Number retirements shouldn't happen at all | 84 | 11.4 % |
| See Results | 82 | 11.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
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