Chicago Blackhawks: Whose Number Should Be Retired Next?
By Tim Healey
Patrick Kane
Kane is perhaps set to surpass Chelios as the greatest American-born player ever. He also broke Hawks fan's hearts when he returned to the United Center wearing a Detroit sweater and scored the game-winning goal in overtime, thus spoiling the party just a bit. He's a given to have his number 88 retired, given how instrumental he was in helping the Hawks win three Cups from 2010-2015.
Jonathan Toews
Number 19 is the other half, along with Kane, of the dynamic duo who led the Hawks Cup charge. Captain Serious is also a lock to see his sweater retired. His stats don't leap out at you, but his two-way play is a huge part of why the Hawks hoisted the Cup three times in six seasons.
Corey Crawford
One of the best goalies in franchise history, and another driving force behind the dynasty in the 2010s. Crow deserves the recognition. A career 2.45 GAA and .918 save percentage are huge reasons why.
Tony Amonte
He is in the U.S Hockey Hall of Fame, but not the NHL Hall of Fame. He did have several 40+ goal seasons in Chicago, and was here for nine years. There is a strong case to be made for the five-time All-Star.
Eddie Belfour
Eddie the Eagle was a very good goaltender, though his numbers don't quite match Crow's. The biggest argument against him is that his numbers got so much better when he played for the Dallas Stars -- as good as he was in Chicago, he may have done his best work in Texas.