** FILE ** Carolina Hurricanes' Ron Francis (10) waves to the crowd as he is honored at center ice prior to the start of the Hurricanes game against the Buffalo Sabres in Raleigh, N.C., in this Jan. 29, 2002 photo. Francis was honored for his 1,170 career assist on goal, placing him second on the list behind Wayne Gretzky. Francis, one of the NHL's career leaders in games played, goals, assists and points, announced his retirement Wednesday Sept. 14, 2005, ending his 23-year career. (AP Photo/Karl DeBlaker)