Is Jaromir Jagr an Option for Boston?
Apr 23, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Boston Bruins right wing
Jaromir Jagr(68) against the Philadelphia Flyers during the third period at the Wells Fargo Center. The Flyers defeated the Bruins, 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
“It’s up to (Devils general manager) Lou (Lamoriello). He knows me. I know him. I’ve got no problem with (being traded). If he wants to move me, he will. If he doesn’t, he doesn’t. He knows I like it here, but it’s all about whatever is best for the team.”-Jaromir Jagr
Jaromir Jagr was one of the highlights the Boston Bruins had for the 2012-2013 season, he helped the Bruins significantly on the power play and especially along the half-boards. Two areas where the Boston Bruins are in some desperate need of guidance as of late.
Much like the Boston Bruins, the New Jersey Devils are in disarray. They have fired their head coach Peter DeBoer, replacing him with GM Lou Lamoriello, Adam Oates and Scott Stevens. If that isn’t enough to have you shuttering, imagine a team with a worse record than the Bruins, ranked 25th in the League with a 13-18-7 record. As a result of such an abysmal season and a team that isn’t getting any younger (or better), trade talks are among the daily coffee conversations.
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It is no question that the Boston Bruins need to make some an addition or two if not get rid of a couple under-performers. Jaromir Jagr could be the perfect option. Here’s the thing, Jagr has a cap hit for the 2014-2015 season of $3.4 million, compared to the likes of T.J. Oshie ($4.175 million), Chris Stewart ($4.15 million) or even rumored Taylor Hall ($6 million), he’s more reasonable for Chiarelli to make a deal for. With just $966,750 of cap space Chiarelli would still have to free up some space, but it would be easier to do without entirely dismantling the team.
When the topic of being traded came up in conversation with the Czech-born superstar, he told the media that he had no problem with leaving if it meant the Devils were able to get better.
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“I have no problem with anything,” Jagr said. “It’s up to (Devils general manager) Lou (Lamoriello). He knows me. I know him. I’ve got no problem with (being traded). If he wants to move me, he will. If he doesn’t, he doesn’t. He knows I like it here, but it’s all about whatever is best for the team. In the last 25 years, I’ve never been in this situation. I’ve never been on a team that was almost the worst in the NHL. It’s new to me.”
In 37 games for the Devils Jagr has 21 points, 6 goals and 15 helpers, if he joined Boston again, he would be in a three-way tie in points ont he team along with Brad Marchand and Dougie Hamilton. While jagr may not have come right out and said he wants to be dealt away, he certainly seems comfortable with the idea. So the question that remains is; will Chiarelli go for the Czech or simply pass over in hopes of something better coming along?
What do you think Bruins fans, would you welcome Jagr back with open arms?