Quote:
Originally Posted by getbak
Looking at a few other players who died during their careers...
Bill Barilko had played 5 seasons for the Leafs (with 4 Stanley Cups) when he disappeared after an off-season plane crash in 1951. His #5 was removed from circulation after his disappearance and officially retired in 1992.
Bill Masterton had only played 38 NHL games when he died after an in-game injury in 1968. His number was removed from circulation by Minnesota and #19 was officially retired by the Stars in 1987.
Tim Horton only played parts of two seasons in Buffalo, when he was in his 40s. No one ever wore #2 for the Sabres after Horton died in 1974, and it was eventually retired in 1996. The Leafs honoured Horton's #7 in 1995, but it wasn't removed from circulation (Lanny was wearing #7 for the Leafs at the time of Horton's death) until it was officially retired in 2016.
Bob Gassoff played parts of 4 seasons with the Blues prior to his death in a motorcycle accident in the summer of 1977. His number was retired by the Blues.
No one has worn #31 for the Flyers since Pelle Lindberg died in 1985, but it has not been officially retired. |
There's a fair number who weren't retired, too. But it's a pretty good argument for Johnny in any event.