Rumor: Jagr still linked to Western Conference team

One insider analyzes the perfect fit for the 45-year-old future Hall of Famer.

HockeyFeed
HockeyFeed
Published 6 years ago
Rumor: Jagr still linked to Western Conference team
Keystone Press

Nearly two weeks into August and 45-year-old living legend Jaromir Jagr remains without an NHL contract for 2017-18. What gives? In 82 games last season with the Florida Panthers Jagr scored 16 goals and 46 points. While those numbers represent a major decline from his 66 points just a year prior, 45+ points in today’s NHL is nothing to sneeze at. So, why have no teams come calling this offseason?

One hockey writer, Michael DeRosa of The Hockey Writers, follows up on a long-standing offseason rumor and makes the case for Jagr as a member of the Calgary Flames. For DeRosa the move makes sense purely from a depth standpoint. While the Flames have strong players down the middle with Sean Monahan, Mikael Backlund and Sam Bennett and some strong left wingers in Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Tkachuk, they’re woefully shallow on right wing, Jagr’s natural position. Beyond Michael Frolik, the Flames only really boast Michael Ferland as a top-six right wing option. Jagr’s addition would immediately bolster the team’s right side.

Aside from his on-ice impact, Jagr could also have an immeasurable impact off the ice. The veteran of over 20 pro seasons can help shepherd a young core that looks poised to do big things in the coming years. Who better to act as a veteran leader than one of the NHL’s all-time greats?

Whether or not Jagr ends up in Calgary in 2017-18 remains to be seen, but after reading DeRosa’s article it’s clear that the team could use him and, at this point, he could probably be had for a relatively cheap price. What do you think? Should the Flames take a run at Jagr?