With Messier, Leetch, and Richter retiring over the past few seasons, and with Graves set to join them, I had the thought that maybe Glen Sather will continue this seemingly yearly tradition, and possibly retire the numbers of other Rangers who were very deserving of it.
As much as I love Adam Graves, and I do—if his number 9 is going to be retired, then there are plenty of other Ranger alums that should be as well.
And no, Glen Sather's number 6—yes, he was a Ranger in the 1940s—doesn't belong up there, but I felt the picture of him on the podium kinda worked with the article.
No. 3, Harry Howell
The all-time leader in Ranger games played should be an automatic for retirement. We're not talking about the Columbus Blue Jackets—this is a franchise in existence for over 80 years.
Howell played nearly 20 years in Blue, and was never fun to play against. He deserves widespread recognition as one of the sturdiest Rangers of all time.
No. 4, Ron Greschner
Before Brian Leetch, Ron Greschner was the best defenseman to ever play in a Ranger uniform. He played 16 years (1974-1990) in Ranger blue. For that alone, he should be in the rafters.
His 982 games, 600-plus points, and 1,200-plus penalty minutes don't hurt either. In fact, they should guarantee him.
No. 9, Andy Bathgate
729 points in 719 games over the course of 12 seasons. I could see room for two number 9s. Bathgate is fourth all-time in Ranger scoring—how was he ignored for so long?
Number 11, Vic Hadfield
Three players have scored 50 or more goals in a single season in a Rangers uniform—Adam Graves, Jaromir Jagr, and Vic Hadfield.
Graves' number is retired, Jagr was only here for a handful of seasons, but Hadfield helped to anchor the greatest line in Rangers history. Give him respect, and a place next to the other number 11.
No. 19, Jean Ratelle
All Jean Ratelle did was average nearly a point per game over his entire Ranger tenure. Ratelle's also third all-time in Ranger scoring, behind Gilbert and Leetch—not bad for the "other guy" on the G-A-G line.
He was traded with Brad Park in one of the biggest trades in Ranger history. I'm sure a lot of people love Espo—but plenty others loved Ratelle and Park. Number 19 belongs to Jean Ratelle.
No. 23, Jeff Beukeboom
I wouldn't typically think a stay-at-home defenseman would get as much recognition as Jeff did—but man, this guy is absolutely beloved. Maybe it's because his career was ended before he really lost a step.
Either way, without question, the Rangers do not win the Cup in 1994 without him. The Garden faithful would go nuts for him.
I"m sure there are plenty of other worthy and interesting candidates—Ron Duguay, Bryan Hextall, Walt Tkaczuk, JD, Steve Vickers, Brad Park, Bill Cook, etc. Any other suggestions?
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