Next Jersey to be Retired After Hossa?
When Marian Hossa made his long-awaited return to the United Center on April 7, the Blackhawks surprised him, and fans, with a special announcement that he'd have his jersey retired next season. As fans look forward to the special occasion, it also prompts the question: who will be next?
After the success the Blackhawks sustained with three titles in six years, there are no shortage of candidates. That being said, two stand out above the rest: Patrick Sharp and Brent Seabrook.
Both Sharp and Seabrook were significant pieces of all three championship rosters, served as alternate captains for significant periods of time and have finished their playing careers.
If the Blackhawks intend to retire Sharp's No. 10, he would be the most logical player to have his retirement ceremony after Hossa's. He finished his NHL career one season after Hossa did (2017-18) and has had ties to the organization since he wrapped up his playing career.
If Chicago doesn't think Sharp is worthy of a jersey retirement ceremony, it would be hard to imagine it would feel the same way about Seabrook. The large defender and stalwart leader seems like a lock to prevent another Blackhawk from wearing No. 7 ever again. Where his resume might be a bit stronger than Sharp's, Seabrook is still bound to the NHL by a contract that runs through the 2023-24 season. His final game was also much more recent, having played during the 2019-20 season.
It appears as though the club won't retire Niklas Hjalmarsson's No. 4, after allowing Seth Jones to suit up in that sweater this season.
| POLL | ||
Who's jersey will be retired next? | ||
| Sharp #10 | 60 | 39.7 % |
| Seabrook #7 | 91 | 60.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
