Well, it’s official. Jaromir Jagr’s waivers have cleared and he is on his way to play for HC Klando in the Czech Republic.
Jagr just couldn’t quite hang in the big leagues this season. Consistently battling injuries, and slowing down, the Calgary Flames just were not benefiting from having Jagr on the payroll anymore.
In his 22 games played with the Flames, Jagr only tallied one goal and six assists with a plus six rating.
His time on ice average was dwindling at 13:03 per game, down from his career average of 20:19.
The final factor really comes down to the fact that there just wasn’t room for him on the Flames.
It sounds crazy for Calgary to not need help in the offensive zone (I mean they aren’t stellar, but they certainly aren’t struggling) but 49 games into the season the Flames are sitting at 11th place in the NHL.
The offensive trio of Johnny Gaudreau, Sean Monahan and Michael Ferland is lights out. I mean come on, look at this chemistry. The setup starts 45 seconds in. (Video from Sportsnet)
NHL Game Highlights | Kings vs. Flames — Jan. 24, 2018
They are also bolstered by Matthew Tkachuk, Mikael Backlund and Sam Bennett.
You can’t have a guy with the experience of Jagr on your team and not benefit in some way.
The young Flames certainly learned a thing or two from Jagr and the coaches thank him for it.
“I get to say I played alongside Jaromir Jagr,” said forward Curtis Lazar in an interview with calgaryflames.com.
Flames GM Brad Treliving said they don’t regret signing Jagr at all and that they were happy to have him as a part of the team.
“Any time you’re around greatness, any time you’re able to pull from that, I think you can only improve.” Said Treliving in an interview with calgaryflames.com.
Coach Glen Gulutzan said that just having Jagr around made the team better.
There is no doubt in my mind that Jaromir Jagr will be the next big addition to the NHL Hall of Fame.
Jagr ranked in the top of categories such as second in total points with 1,914, third in goals with 765, 13th in power play goals with 209 and number one in game winning goals with 133.
Jagr during his time with the Pittsburgh Penguins. (Courtesy of Beer League Beauts)
I know I talked about Jagr’s potential NHL retirement last week, but now that it has come to fruition it is worth mentioning again that Jagr is a legend.
Even though we could see it coming that doesn’t make it any less unfortunate and downright sad. I don’t think there is a hockey fan out there that didn’t want to see Jagr have a phenomenal season no matter who he played for.
Bearing that in mind. Cheers to you Jaromir Jagr, it has been a pleasure and an honor watching you play. Next stop: the Hall of Fame.
Featured image from Boston Herald
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