Despite appearing in all 82 games and scoring 46 points last year, Jagr found no takers early on in free agency. As talented and effective as the future Hall of Famer may still be at 45 years old, the modern game's emphasis on speed seems to have dampened the demand for his services in spite of his assertions that he'd like to play until he's 50 years old. Jagr's also exclusively a right winger who can't be the focus of an offense or play a checking role, and that lack of versatility damages his value for teams that are up against the cap. Jagr's still capable of chipping in at least 40 to 50 points, but only if he can find a good fit, which means plentiful power-play time.
Jagr continued to defy Father Time last season, stunning the league with 27 goals (his highest NHL total since 2006-07 with the Rangers) and his second campaign over 65 points since turning 40. The third-leading goal scorer in league history probably won’t get the 52 he needs to tie Gordie Howe for second place this season, but nobody should be surprised if Jagr gets halfway there despite being 44 years of age. That said, it wouldn’t be surprising at all to see his goals fall back while he remains productive – last season’s 143 shots represent easily his lowest shot rate in the last couple decades, though he benefited from an 18.9 shooting percentage that ranks among the highest of his career. Amazingly, the Czech winger’s incredible work ethic has kept him mostly injury-free even at his advanced age, so it wouldn’t be a shock to see him challenge 60 points once again.
Jagr may be 43 years old, but somehow, he still looks like he has gas in the tank. After being acquired at the trade deadline from the Devils, Jagr put up 18 points (six goals and 12 assists) in 20 games for the Panthers while skating on the top line. While he didn’t quite produce at the same rate as 2013-14, when he scored 67 points and played in all 82 games, Jagr still finished with 17 goals and 47 points between the two teams. A contributor on the power play as well, where he scored four goals and amassed 11 points, Jagr should remain one of the team's top scorers until he decides to call it quits. While he may not be putting up All-Star numbers at this stage of his career, Jagr offers the veteran presence the Panthers desperately need alongside their stable of youthful forwards.
The signing of Jagr last season raised several questions around the league, given the former star’s age (41) and the fact that he’d be playing on his third team in two seasons. However, Jagr quelled the doubters with a successful first season with the Devils and parlayed it into another one-year deal to remain in Newark, where he should again challenge for the team’s scoring title, an honor he earned last season with 67 points and 23 goals. He was New Jersey’s most consistent offensive player, albeit for a team that was one of the lowest-scoring in the league. His health is aided by a well-publicized work ethic that keeps him in excellent shape, allowing his aging body to handle the rigors of an NHL season. Jagr should again see plenty of scoring opportunities and challenge for around 55 points, leading an offense that can only perform better than it did during the 2013-14 campaign.
The future hall of famer remains a solid source of secondary scoring. Even at 41 Jagr can still help most fantasy teams, but the Devils figure to struggle offensively so don't over pay for him. UPSIDE: 55 points.
Jagr's return to the NHL last season following a three-year absence was largely successful (19 goals and 35 assists in 73 games) and it allowed him to ink a one-year deal with Dallas over the summer. He reportedly had plenty of suitors, making his selection of the Stars a bit strange, but he should fit in nicely on Dallas' top line with Jamie Benn.
After a three-year foreign league hiatus, Jagr returns to the NHL after signing a one-year contract with the Flyers this summer. There's plenty of reason to believe the 39-year-old has enough left in him to produce, and he should be well protected by a strong Philly roster. He very well could be paired with Claude Giroux and will likely see plenty of time on the man advantage. He'll provide the Flyers with some size and offensive punch and ought to be well motivated to prove he can still get it done at his age and after a few years away from the American game.
Jagr is once again the focal point of this Blueshirt attack, but had somewhat of a down season (96 points) last year, after coming off a 123 point campaign the season before. A nagging shoulder injury played a significant role in his limited production, but he should be completely healthy before the start of training camp. There may be some harbored bad feelings on how the team handled the Michael Nylander situation, but having a younger pass-happy replacement in Scott Gomez is no drop off. With the possibility that this season could be Jagr's last on Broadway, Jaromir will certainly give the fans a send off that they won't forget. Health permitting, expect a return to the century mark in points on the newly constructed Jagr - Scott Gomez - Martin Straka line.
Jagr had himself a breakout year of sorts. He had gone several seasons without touching 100 points and many had to wonder if we were witnessing the twilight years of his illustrious career. Not to worry; Jagr came back healthy, motivated and played with a chip on his shoulder. When it was all said and done, Jagr became the organization’s single season record holder in points (123), goals (54) and standing ovations -- his best output since his Pittsburgh days in 2000-01 when he torched the league for 121 points. Moving forward into this season, there’s no reason why Jagr cannot duplicate the same success as the last. The core of the team is still intact, and he still has Martin Straka and Michael Nylander as linemates. The only question mark is the status of his health -- can he stay healthy for all 82 games? Jagr’s bum shoulder injured early in the first round of the playoffs needs to be tested early, and his reoccurring hip injuries need to be monitored. Otherwise, don’t be surprised if he registers another 100-point plus season easily in 2006-07.
With a salary that occupies roughly a quarter of the cap (8 million), the Rangers will be counting on Jagr now, more than ever to anchor a young and inexperienced team, and put on display his usual superhuman skills. Sure his numbers have been on the decline in recent years, but he is still arguably the best hockey player in the world; and with the NHL initiatives to 'open' up scoring this year, the implemented changes will pad Jagr's career stats even more so this season. The only deterrent is Jaromir's motivation to play in the NHL, since he did say publicly that he wanted to remain in Europe. However, the small risk is worth the reward, for this 12-time All-star and former league MVP has the ability to carry a fantasy team, and then some.
