Rangers fans? (Two questions)?

Question

Should the Rangers have retired #19 for Jean Ratelle instead of giving it to Scott Gomez?

Should the Rangers retire #9 for Adam Graves?

Answer 1

they should to graves, shoukld for both actually! Good questions though!

Answer 2

Since there are no set parameters for jersey retirement qualifications, people tend to use a broad range of arguments to justify their stance one way or another. I am no different in that respect.

Given that I never saw Ratelle play, I'll abstain from making his case for jersey retirement in favor of Graves who I feel is very deserving of the honor.

I like to look at Adam Graves as more than the sum of his statistics. I believe his decade-long Ranger tenure set him apart as one of the strongest character guys in franchise history.

1) He was versatile. He killed penalties, played the powerplay and patroled the left side as a prototypical power forward. His 52 goal season aside, Graves put up multiple 30 goal campaigns before his back finally gave out.

2) He was throwback. His physical play measured well beyond his stature and served as an example and catalyst for his mates. He fought anyone who even sniffed too hard around team treasures without prejudice and with selfless disregard for his own well-being .

3) He was a gamer and a leader. In the room, on the bench and on the ice, Graves was a pivotal factor in securing the 94 trophy. No matter what others have suggested, this factor cannot be overstated when referring to franchise that had wallowed in misery for the previous 54 seasons.

On a side, I still maintain the cup winning goal came off of his stick. Graves was just way too classy to begrudge Messier a critical piece of his messianic legacy by claiming the tally as his own.

4) He was a beacon of generosity, class and humility. Graves weaved himself into the fabric of the community well beyond his years as a Ranger. He freely gave of his time to any and all philanthropic causes and continues to do so today.

Adam Graves was a consummate professional, a loyal teammate, a worthy adversary and the very definition of a role model on and off the ice. If those credentials don't qualify him for consideration on an impirical level, they certainly should on any relative scale.


Now, with regards to number 19, one could argue that Gomez is the most talented guy to wear the digits since Ratelle. I'm not sure if you were suggesting the number had not been used since Ratelle's departure, but that's not the case. Numerous guys from Brian Mullen to Mark Osborne, Dean Talafous and Blair Betts have donned the 19 since.

Answer 3

I would like to see #19 retired for Jean Ratelle, he was a great player

As for Adam Graves, definitely not. Somebody else asked that question here a month or so ago, but was unable to provide any reasons as to why it should be retired. Graves was an average player at best who had a 50 goal season. He doesn't rank in the top 10 in points/game, barely makes the top 10 in points.

Answer 4

Neither number should be retired. Ratelle did most of his career in Boston, and Graves is not worthy. Graves had good years, but nothing like Messier or the others whose number is now hanging

Answer 5

Yes, along with Gilbert and Hadfield, but they most likely won't be since Hadfield's #11 is already retired for Messier.

No, with the exception of '94 he did not do much for the Rangers, and if the Rangers were to retire his number they would have to consider retiring all Ranger #s from '94.

The only other '90s Ranger jersey that should be retired is Brian Leetch.

Answer 6

Neither..if they retired all players of those skill levels they would run out of numbers if they get a really good team...

Answer 7

i hope they focus on how to win some games before they worry about what number to retire