Silver Nuggets: Retiring Numbers

The Vancouver Canucks and Colorado Avalanche both honoured former players on Saturday by retiring their numbers in high profile ceremonies. The Avs honoured long-time defenseman Adam Foote by raising his number 52 to the rafters of the Pepsi Center. Known as a defensive-defenseman throughout his career, Foote helped his teams win championships in the NHL and internationally. The highlight of the night came from Vancouver, where Hall of Famer Pavel Bure was finally honoured by the Canucks for his excellent career, in a ceremony designed to occur in prime time for eastern audiences watching on HNIC.

Both Bure and Foote left the teams they began their careers with (and are most associated with). Significantly, there was always tension in Bure's relationship with the city of Vancouver and his departure didn't help matters. Yet, there he was Saturday afternoon errr evening, thanking a mentor who helped him grow as a man (Pat Quinn) and the city which meant so much to him while taking his rightful place among the Canucks legends at Rogers Arena.

All of this is to say, how long will it take the Senators to officially retire Daniel Alfredsson's number 11 once he retires (it's safe to say no one will wear it between now and then)? One season? Two? Longer? Of course, the player needs to be willing, just ask the Ducks and Paul Kariya. Sometimes external factors get in the way; Nicklas Lidstrom's ceremony has been delayed until later this season because of last season's lockout. But what about Alfie?

When will Alfie's #11 be retired by the Senators?

The season following his retirement49
1 year later28
2+ years later39
5 years later8
When hell freezes over11

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