Quote:
Originally Posted by browna
If Brad Werenka can wear #2 and Freddie Hamilton can wear #25 post MacInnis and Nieuwendyk, someone can wear #14.
Am fully aware that past or current Flames ownership had some sort of agreement with Fleury about some sort of honor, but he never has got that honor (jersey retired or the Forever a Flame treatment) for good reason(s) as far as ownership’s opinion and guidelines to get that honor.
Among other things, he publicly bashed the club months after the club vouched for him to the league to come off the suspended list so he could get a NHL pension, and goodness knows what he did and said behind the scenes to owners over the years.
It’s been 25 years since he played a meaningful game here.
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Ok, I know Theo is pretty political and unhinged nowadays but there is some reach here. First, he was going to get that pension regardless of the Flames tryout. Two, he had a better camp than many other scrubs on that team and the Flames were stupid not to give him one last run. They were not doing anything that year anyhow and he would have packed the Dome every night. Three, there is nothing to indicate there is bad blood still between the Flames and Theo Fleury. I think his outspokenness on social media is what has prevented his number from going into the rafters yet. As a matter of fact he was just in Calgary for the 89 Cup reunion, before that he was at the Lanny McDonald gala. If he was not so politically unhinged and has the mental issues he clearly does his number would already be retired. Joe Nieuendyk and Al MacInnis are not in the same tier of Flames iconic players as Fleury no matter how much some fans don't like him now. Not close. There are 3 players that are on the top tier, Lanny, Jarome, and Theo. Personally I don't read his tweets or other ramblings because I don't agree with what he says. On the other hand he does do a lot of work and seminars to help victims of sexual abuse. The bottom line is Theo is a Flames legend and that number should be retired. There are multiple players in the past that have done or said worse things than Theo Fleury that have had their teams retire their number and they don't have the excuse of being molested by their coach.