Francis' last year? [Archive]

Hellas1982

06-30-2003, 04:19 PM

Well I was thinking today if it is Francis' last season, or does he have another option year, I don't know. Maybe he will reveal something to the public about his status and maybe motivate the team this year to strive for the cup for his final year. Or maybe he can only keep it between his teamates and doesn't want the media involved and still have the team motivated. What do you'all think about this?

nccanes

06-30-2003, 04:38 PM

There is no mystery. Last year at this time he signed a 2 year contract with the Canes. He hasn't publicly announced his plans for after this season, but it certainly seems likely that he'll retire - especially with the CBA expiration looming.

Of course, no one really knows - probably not even Ronnie. However, I don't think it's his style to make an announcement to the public or his teammates that it's his last season. His teammates certainly know that w/o it being said. I don't expect any "win one for the gipper" type pronouncements.

And that's why we love him. :)

guinevere

06-30-2003, 05:39 PM

You've got to admire the man for giving it all he's got. Didn't he have an agreement to not play all the games- have some down time and yet ended up doing so because of all the injuries this season? That probably has weighed heavy on him physically as well. I would love for him to come back another season. I imagine he probably doesn't even really know what he wants to do at this point though I'll bet its mixed emotions about whether retire with a winning team or one thats losing.

Guin

nccanes

06-30-2003, 06:22 PM

You've got to admire the man for giving it all he's got. Didn't he have an agreement to not play all the games- have some down time and yet ended up doing so because of all the injuries this season? That probably has weighed heavy on him physically as well.
Guin

Indeed Guin. As I recall, he and JR talked about how the Olympic break greatly benefited him the previous season and there was an "agreement" that he would get some games off at some point. I believe Ronnie's quote was that it hadn't even occured to him to bring it up since the team was suffering so much. In reality, once the damage was done, Ronnie could have taken some nights off anyway, but he didn't. Wasn't it only he, O'Neill, and Hill that played all the games?

Stormbringer

06-30-2003, 06:59 PM

In reality, once the damage was done, Ronnie could have taken some nights off anyway, but he didn't. Wasn't it only he, O'Neill, and Hill that played all the games?

Yep, it certainly was...heard that cool tidbit uttered by Chuck K or John F during the final game against the Islanders.

Jeff O Rocks

06-30-2003, 08:46 PM

When the time does come and Ronnie skates for the last time and waves goodbye to all of us....we will probably all drown in the flood!! :cry: I can't imagine him and his leadership being gone!! :sad: We have him at least one more year though!! :spin:

rons#1fan

07-14-2003, 03:20 PM

I don't even want to think about that day :sad:

AbNormal27

07-14-2003, 04:21 PM

Jeff O Rocks

07-14-2003, 05:08 PM

No matter how long this man plays and continues to contribute more than most "elite" players do, he will never get the respect he deserves. I think that is a damn shame, and even though he is too humble and unselfish to ever want something like this, I think we, as fans, should make this year our own "Farewell Francis" tour. He may not get the respect from the rest of the Hockey World, but he damn sure better get it from his fans. JMHO.

Aaryn

That is sad that he doesn't get the respect that he truly deserves..but we give him plenty of love and respect here and the folks in Pittsburg love him dearly too..hope that is enough for him!! :spin: ;)

puckin_A

07-14-2003, 05:09 PM

I see him (once he retires) staying with the ORG and coming back in a
coaching or management type position.

Shell

07-14-2003, 06:58 PM

he had said that he won't coach but that he will stay with the org. He deosn't want to have to travel all the time.. I certainly can't blame him! He'll be great for this community for a long time to come.

jhardman

07-14-2003, 08:42 PM

I imagine JR and company are keeping Tripp's chair warm for Ronnie. :-)

Seriously, though, I know he is underrated, but he has the respect of the players and the rest of the hockey establishment. They are already expecting him in the Hockey Hall of Fame. He won't have that Gretzky-like exhibit, but he'll be there and have a huge amount of support. I plan to be there when he gets inducted, wearing my Canes jersey and clapping with my fellow Canes fans and undoubtedly some of our equals in Pittsburgh and Hartford.

folgersnyourcup

07-15-2003, 12:09 PM

Whenever he does retire though I'm hoping it's not as soon as the end of this season one thing is for certain. There will be one HELL of a sendoff for him by the Canes management. It should be an amazing moment.

I'm not looking forward to it or anything. :D

But I do realize it WILL come.