It all seems to be a minor publicity and money making scheme. The Flames aren't really the hot organization they once were, so to sell some merchandise and gets butts in the Dome they have nights like these to honor former players. Wouldn't be at all surprised if they do the same for Loob, Fleury, and Kiprusoff down the road if the rebuild takes longer then they expect. I would much rather then honor the player like others have suggested, and create a plaque or another memento instead of this.
I was a fan of Nieuwendyk myself, so I would have no issue if his number did get retired. But that should still happen after MacInnis, Kiprusoff, and probably Fleury as well; Nieuwendyk was more important than Loob or Mullen imo. I understand that they don't want to retire too many numbers though, so the plaque seems to be a more reasonable way to go. Although if they don't retire Kipper's number I won't be happy.
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