Comparing Iginla and Fleury isn't quite fair. They are two different players entirely with two different styles, and two different roles.
Personally, I wouldn't like to see Theo's jersey retired. He had a lack of respect. A lack of respect for his team, a lack of respect to the organization, and a lack of respect for his fans. Hanging up his number in the rafters isn't just about how many points you can put up, it represents the value he was to the team. It was simply lucky he won a cup with Calgary. That team was stacked and didn`t need him.
Yes, his PPG was higher, but hey, even Cheechoo had a decent PPG at one point. There is no doubt that he has changed over the years, but still, he decides to make stupid comments to media. I understand he has had a tough time growing up, but that doesn't mean recognition is warranted. I probably would have been all for retiring his jersey a little while back. When I watched his SO goal, I was elated. I would have accepted his retired jersey right then and there. Then, he didn`t make the cut. Oh well, we can`t all be NHL calibre for our entire lives.
It was his comments about Conroy that reminded me how I thought about him in the past. It was no longer water under the bridge. It was how much he blames his problems on others (and in a lot of ways, narcissism). I understand he had a tough childhood, I bet you a bunch of CP users have had challenging experiences just as bad. It`s not an excuse. I wouldn`t like to see his jersey retired because of his inability to keep it professional. If Fleury beat his kids, would you nominate him for jersey retirement? I wouldn't. Previous experiences don't excuse behaviour. Personality, professionalism, and being a profound and up-standing leader are my requirements for jersey retirement.
When you retire someone, you retire someone who exemplifies the franchise. If you retire Fleury, you tarnish the name that is the Calgary Flames.
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