The NHL can immortalize Gordie Howe’s legacy with these 3 simple honors

When Gordie Howe passed away last week, it left a massive hole in the heart of hockey.

I don’t need to explain why. The effect that “Mr. Hockey” had on the sport, the NHL and fans everywhere has been expressed elsewhere in better ways than I can convey.

But in the wake of his memorial service on Wednesday, it’s also worth wondering how his tremendous legacy can be preserved by the NHL in a more permanent way. Detroit has enshrined him with statues and a retired number already. The “Gordie Howe hat trick” lives on, and he earned a lifetime achievement award in 2008.

Surely there’s more the NHL can do to immortalize him, right? Here are three ideas.

This idea has been bandied about everywhere from Wayne Gretzky himself to our own Red Wings blog. In some ways, it makes a certain kind of sense.

The NHL retired Gretzky’s number at the 2000 All-Star Game in a ceremony reminiscent of the MLB retiring Jackie Robinson’s number. The idea of retiring Gretzky’s number (a year after he retired) was simple: he was the holder of most of the NHL’s records at the time, and considered the greatest to ever play the game. Why not honor and preserve his legacy by pulling his number from circulation?

Howe’s legacy is similarly transcendent, and such an honor would be appropriate. Especially if The Great One himself has endorsed it.

But here’s my personal counter-argument*, via a list of players who have worn No. 9 in NHL history:

Retiring the number is a nice sentiment, but the fact is Gordie Howe’s No. 9 has spawned a legacy of great players.

*Hey, I never said I had to agree with these

The Gordie Howe Memorial Trophy. Given to the player who best represents the toughness, leadership and skill of Gordie Howe each year.

“But Pat, that’s so generic and vague. How do you possibly quantify those qualities?”

Have you seen some of the qualifications for the NHL’s awards? The Lady Byng is for players with “outstanding sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct.” These things are always up for interpretation.

“Hey, that sounds like the Mark Messier Leadership Award. Why not just rename it in Howe’s honor?”

Sure, that works, too. Go away. This is my article.

If you aren’t going to retire Gordie Howe’s number, you can ensure his legacy is remembered each year by handing out a trophy to the players who best recall the qualities that defined him.

Gordie Howe’s time with the World Hockey Association legitimized the NHL’s quest for talent outside of North America. This is exemplified somewhat with the World Juniors every year, but what if the NHL created an exhibition event for young world talent every year?

There shouldn’t be a limit on who can participate. It could feature the best and brightest non-North American NHL players and NHL draft prospects on the ice at the same time. And don’t just limit the nationalities to Europe. The NHL can intentionally seek out the best from burgeoning hockey countries like China, Australia or South America. Let women participate, as well. Tack the event onto the Winter Classic to embrace it as a celebration of the sport.

It’s a lofty premise, and intentionally vague. There are plenty of ways to create an event like that, but it’s worth considering. But if the NHL decides to go big with the idea, it would be a fitting way to honor Howe’s enduring legacy as an ambassador for hockey around the world.