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Originally Posted by gvitaly
I'm on the fence on this one. Now I'm leaning towards it not being retired.
I think the Flames should make a memorial for John, and maybe have one of the sections in the new building being named after him, along with a program that does good in the community under his name.
That said, I think that retiring a hockey jersey should be for the player's hockey accomplishments with the Flames. The lack of playoff success, and Gaudreau's decision to move on should be taken into account. I also don't think that retiring the number will help his family Grieve, but I don't know that, and it should be discussed with his parents and his wife.
Is Regehr's number in the rafters? Is Gios going to be? Is Johnny more deserving just because he's gone?
PS: I won't be upset with either decision, and I can see how people in the organization and fans alike will get closure from the gesture.
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Pretty much my present feeling. It seems cold to say, but the way a player died isn't among my own criteria for a jersey retirement. Maybe Johnny merits it aside from that, but right now it feels off, like it's a bone thrown to family and fans. It seems a bit knee jerk. However, the fact he left as a UFA should also not factor into it.