All signs have begun to point to a split between the Calgary Flames and legendary winger Jaromir Jagr, with either a trade or mutual termination the likely outcomes. Jagr never did fit in properly with the Flames, unable to find any chemistry in his limited minutes. It’s not clear if there would be any interest from other teams in the NHL, but should there be?
Jagr, 45, has just seven points on the season with Calgary but there are still reasons to believe he can contribute in the right situation. His ridiculously low shooting percentage of 3.1% on the year doesn’t help his numbers, and he’s actually still a positive possession player—though not quite the dominating presence he’s been down-low throughout his career.
If the reason for his struggles really are the lack of a real training camp, believing there is actually some short-term improvement to come seems plausible. If he’s given a regular role and steady minutes, perhaps the same 45-point player from last season could emerge. That kind of addition could be quite important for a club looking for some depth up front, if they can get past the off-ice eccentricities that come along with the second all-time leading NHL scorer.
Would you want your team to pursue Jagr for a playoff push, or is this the end of his NHL career? Vote below and leave your thoughts in the comments.
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Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images
Yes, if my team is the Hershey Bears and they need a playoff push.
My team is the Reading Royals and Injust want an autograph
Wild should get Jagr, he’s old and overpaid, he will fit in just find
Would be good to see him on a veteran squad. I don’t think he could keep up with the Devils though he would be a great mentor to their talented young wings and I’m not sure the Panthers are a fit to mention former employers he played well for.
Maybe the Penguins bring him back for one last hoorah on the 4th line? Or the Blue Jackets or Kings?
Hard to find a fit though I do think he’s got gas left in the tank.