Report: Jagr on the Flames' top line

“Hopefully, we can do that with Jags.”

HockeyFeed
HockeyFeed
Published 6 years ago
Report: Jagr on the Flames' top line
KeyStone Press

It looks like veteran Jaromir Jagr will be on the first line of the Calgary Flames, tonight, when the Carolina Hurricanes will be in the ScotiaBank Saddledome. 

Jagr will play alongside Sean Monahan and Johnny Gaudreau.

On his two first contests of the season, the 45-year-old forward was used on the first power-play unit, but will take over on the first trio as the game starts, taking over for Micheal Ferland and Curtis Lazar, who both auditioned for a spot on the top line since the beginning of October.

“I think that Johnny and Monny are just fantastic off the rush,” Flames head coach Glen Gulutzan said to the Calgary Sun after Wednesday’s practice. “And with Ferly being injured there for a couple of days, it was a chance to see how Jags would look in that position. For me, the biggest thing he can give them is that zone-time. He’s just so good at holding pucks in the offensive zone, and I think we’ve seen that even before he’s gotten fully up to speed.

“I think what he’s going to add is just that offensive zone-time. Johnny and Monny are the best in the league at creating off the rush and off broken plays and that sort of thing, but to create more zone-time for both of those guys would be a huge advantage.”

Gaudreau says he is getting used to a new partner now and then, and is looking forward to building an even better chemistry with Jagr. 

“For me and Monny, I think we’ve been doing this for quite some time now — rotating right-wingers. So I’m a little used to it by now,” Gaudreau said earlier this week. “But still, it’s nice to find a player you can keep building with. It gets easier on the ice when you’re playing with a player you’ve been playing with for a while.

“Hopefully, we can do that with Jags.”

In three games thus far, Jagr has amassed an assist. 

Source: Calgary Sun