NHL: Three Former Players That Deserve to Have Their Number Retired

Forward Jacques Lemaire played 12 years for the Montreal Canadiens, posting 366 goals and 469 assists for 835 points and was a +344 in 853 games played.

As most may recall, the Canadiens had some loaded teams filled with Hall of Famers. To their credit, Montreal has 14 players who have their number retired and jerseys hung in the rafters and Lemaire is not one of them.

With the success he had with the Canadiens, one has to wonder why he is not placed up there with some of his teammates and be recognized as one of the greatest players in franchise history.

Lemaire was part of eight Stanley Cup championship teams. After he retired, he was elected to the NHL Hall of Fame in 1984. Lemaire appeared in the playoffs 11 years, contributing 61 goals and 78 assists for 139 points in 145 games.

After he retired from the game, he began a coaching career that saw him coach for 17 seasons with a record of 617-458-187 for 1,421 points.

He coached the Canadiens in his first two coaching years, compiling a record of 48-37-12 in 97 games. He was also 15-13 in coaching the Canadiens in the playoffs.

As one of the great Canadiens, nobody knows why he does not have a jersey retired. Just like Fedorov, he did everything he could to produce a Stanley Cup.

Maybe his time will eventually come as he is more than deserving of his moment. After all, he did win 8 Stanley Cups with the organization.