It's easy to be loyal when other teams don't really want you like Neil and Phillips.
Agreed. There's no reason to disparage Neil and Phillips because the organization made a decision to retire their numbers. They were great players in their own right.Neil could have left for more money when he became a free agent. Same thing with Phillips. Let's not be silly.
Neil left at least a million on the table to stay in Ottawa. Multiple big market teams wanted him. This was 15 years ago when the cap was much lower. His 4 year 2M contract in Ottawa would be equivalent to 4 years at about 3M this off season, and that was a "hometown" discount.
Yes, no one wanted them when they were almost 40 (Habs offered Neil a PTO but not a full contract), so neither of them had that awkward one season long-time players have, like Modano in a Red Wings jersey, or Brodeur with the Blues. But it isn't exactly a slight that teams weren't lining up to sign them at that age.
Although I think Doughty got petty votes, I do think Letang or Burns would've been fine candidates for the Norris. Each of them were better than Doughty.
I mean, the league should have a few awards for defenders like they do for forwards. Then you could have 2 or 3 dmen winning awards for offence, defence, etcI think the league should require the voters for league trophies to reveal their votes. There have been some absolutely disgusting votes cast in the past. There is no need for such secrecy!
Karlsson was robbed of another Norris when the "voters" supported Doughty.
Barrett Jack man winning the Calder was kind of kindred spirits too.No argument here. Rod Langway was probably the last time it went to the best defender.
Jersey retirements tend to be about team legacy, not league wide achievements though.None of them, honestly. I think it's a bit crazy that we had Neil and Phillips 'jersey retired, TBH.
I don’t see why we would retire the jersey of a player who played half his career in Ottawa only to leave for more money and opportunity.We haven't had a player before or after Karlsson who had a run with this team where the player was the absolutely top guy in the league in their position and arguably top 5 out of all positions.
Spezza and Yashin both had 1 year like that. Heatley was close for a year or two. Alfredsson is already in.
The level Karlsson dominated at is unprecedented. Part of why it isn't respected as much is because it came right before an era where now it's pedestrian for a defenseman to get 70+ points. Also, the Senators weren't a popular top team. It isn't a coincidence that when we finally went on that run, Karlsson started getting his due as a top player with Crosby and McDavid.
As I said in my previous post, I am of the opinion that we should retire as many as possible to build a culture around the team - but even if you don't agree with that marketing perspective, I think Karlsson is the only player who should be an undisputed show in to have his jersey retired.
I think you need to look into how many Norris winners are in the HHOF. EK is a lock to make it simply from winning 2 of them with the Senators. Every multiple Norris winner but EK is in the HHOF. Every single one.I don’t see why we would retire the jersey of a player who played half his career in Ottawa only to leave for more money and opportunity.
That to me is a ring of honour, like Spezza, because retired jerseys aren’t just about numbers and league wide comparisons, it’s about dedication to the team and city.
By the time EK retires, he isn’t going to be synonymous with the Ottawa Senators, he already isn’t. Heck, he had his best statistical year in SJ. You retire numbers of players who are synonymous with your team and city, not guys who are the best players but played elsewhere for much of their career.
EK won individual awards here, and his name will forever be enshrined on the Norris, as is befitting for a player of his calibre. He may also end up in the HHOF based on his career numbers.
Not sure he is a jersey retirement candidate. He wouldn’t be the first amazing player to move around too much to end up with a retired jersey.
This clip reminds me how much players recognized him, even the whiner that is Doughty. Take away Kopitar in a 3on3 situation, Doughty would've got destroyed
Agreed. There's no reason to disparage Neil and Phillips because the organization made a decision to retire their numbers. They were great players in their own right.
Karlsson could get his number retired if ownership at some point has a need to appease fans, he is still well liked by a lot of fans in this city, while Anderson could get into the ring of honour. I'm surprised they didn't put Roger Neilson into the ring of honour. Spezza is close, but no cigar I think.
Yeah I think you’re right. His talent is undeniable. Andy and Spezz are no brainer for the ROH in my opinion. Just have to wait for the right game day.I think you need to look into how many Norris winners are in the HHOF. EK is a lock to make it simply from winning 2 of them with the Senators. Every multiple Norris winner but EK is in the HHOF. Every single one.
9 players, including EK, have won 3 or more Norris trophies. All but EK are in the HHOF. 6 defencemen, including EK, have scored over 100 points in a season. All but EK are in the HHOF.
Except for his remarkable 100 point Norris winning season with San Jose, every other HHOF worthy achievement he has was done during his time with Ottawa.
His number will be retired, probably hot on the heels of a one day contract with the Sens and his subsequent retirement.
And he will make the HHOF, almost certainly on his first year of eligibility.
The voters should be changed too; ink-stained reporters and talking TV bubble heads are not the best judges of anything.I mean, the league should have a few awards for defenders like they do for forwards. Then you could have 2 or 3 dmen winning awards for offence, defence, etc
Barrett Jack man winning the Calder was kind of kindred spirits too.
I think they should have two awards, heck they could name the new offensive D award the EK award!
I'm fine with recognizing great players by hanging their jerseys with their names and numbers in the rafters; however, the numbers should always be available for current players to wear too.I’m fine with retiring. #41. It’s an ugly number anyways that nobody wants
Whether you like the criteria or not, every modern retirement has seemed to centre on loyalty, tenure and grit. I don't see Karlsson or Spezza in either of those conversations right now. If Karlsson ever finds his way home, that could all change.
When I think of the Sens in the 2010s, I will always think of Karlsson. He really defined us for almost a decade. I don’t see why he doesn’t deserve a jersey retirement.Yeah none of them really deserve to have the jersey retired. If Karlsson comes home and plays a few seasons that could change it.
Ring of honor for sure.
When I think of the Sens in the 2010s, I will always think of Karlsson. He really defined us for almost a decade. I don’t see why he doesn’t deserve a jersey retirement.
In a business of entertainment, he was the most exciting player to watch in our franchise’s history for 10 years. If that’s not worthy of a jersey retirement we should re-evaluate our criteria.
That wasn't really his fault though. He mostly played with underfunded budget squads that always had unfillable holes. It was always an uphill battle.Phillips and Neil having their numbers retired is a joke and was a cash grab by the outgoing ownership IMO. Love those guys, but c'mon. Are we going to retire Zub or Chabot if they stay until retirement?
The only player that should have their number retired is Alfie. Karl is a boss, but only played for 9 seasons and the team didn't have a ton of success while he was here.
Ring of honor should be Karl, Anderson, Spezza, Neil, Phillips, maybe a few others I'm forgetting.