According to Andy Strickland of FOX Sports, Jaromir Jagr is currently in talks with three NHL teams. There had been rumors that Jagr would suit up for Kladno, his Czech team this weekend, but those were dispelled by the man himself saying that he was still talking to NHL teams that wouldn’t want him to risk injury. Whether that means a deal is on the table or not is unclear, but teams like St. Louis—who recently admitted they had discussed Jagr previously—could be getting closer to a contract.
The 45-year old winger has been the story of the offseason, unsigned despite another successful season in 2016-17. Though he’s not the 100-point powerhouse he once was, 46 points in the face of the lowest shooting percentage of his career is still good enough for most teams. He’s always been an elite possession player, able to protect the puck down-low better than almost anyone in the history of the sport. His game is slow and methodical, and though that’s clearly not where the NHL is headed it still works for him and the right kind of linemates.
It’s clear that Jagr wouldn’t settle for a professional tryout, but it also isn’t out of the question to get him for a reasonable amount. In 2013 he signed a one-year deal with only $2MM in salary and $2MM in performance bonuses, an easy number to insert into nearly any cap structure. He rewarded the New Jersey Devils with a 67-point season and some Hart Trophy votes. That is extremely unlikely to happen again, but a performance-based contract still represents little risk.
Why he’s not on Pittsburgh is beyond me
I agree. It would seem fitting for one of the all time greats to come full circle, return to where his NHL career started and help lead the Penguins to an eastern conference finals loss at the hands of the Leafs.
As a pens fan I hope he stays away. His style does not fit the pens high octane, speed game.