Jaromir Jagr Deserves Better Than Free Agency

Jaromir Jagr is one of the biggest names to hit free agency this offseason. The forward is one of the NHL’s best despite his age of 45. Here is a petition to sign the legend that is Jaromir Jagr.

Whisper the words “Jaromir Jagr” in a room of hockey fans and every person would have only positive things to say. Well, maybe not if said person is a Washington Capitals fan. But Jagr is one of those NHL players who is beloved by almost all hockey fans.

The 45-year-old doesn’t quit and plays just as good as the young players around him. He has donned several jerseys through his career and has never ceased to impress his fans. The only problem? He hasn’t yet signed with a new team.

Jagr is a highly skilled player who puts up the points to make him an easy benefit and veteran presence to any team. Despite his age, he’s someone that several NHL teams should be interested in signing.

Sign Jaromir Jagr: A Petition

Jagr would be a huge benefit to any NHL team, especially a team that would benefit from reliable offense and a veteran presence. The veteran posted 16 goals and 46 points in his 2016-17 season with the Florida Panthers. Usually outproducing your age isn’t overly impressive. But when you’re 45, that says something.

He has always been a driving offensive force, posting outstanding stats since joining the league and has posted upwards of 46 points every season since turing 30 years old. In fact, Jagr has scored at least 50 points in eight of his 11 seasons since turning 30.

Jagr is one of few active players to make the NHL’s top 100 players list and is second on the NHL’s all-time points list with 1,914 points, sitting second only to Wayne Gretzky. The two-time Stanley Cup winner is a highly decorated player and a modern legend, and he isn’t afraid of showing it off.

The benefits that Jagr can bring to a team can be endless. His ice presence is commanding, as he’s constantly making plays and looking for goals. Even at 45 years old, Jagr has the speed and physicality to keep up with players nearly half his age.

Not only can a team find a reliable performance in Jagr, any young NHL team could benefit from his veteran experience. A youthful, inexperienced team could seek all the experience and wisdom that Jagr could pass down to his younger teammates, on top of his reliable and outstanding play.

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Jagr Tops, Age Aside

Too many teams shy away from players who are on the older side. In a league where some defensemen retire in their early 30’s and rookies are taking the ice straight from the Entry Draft, teams are nervous when it comes to adding an older player to their roster, but they shouldn’t be.

Jagr has proved that he has the skill and energy to keep up with the players around him. Since turning 30, Jagr’s play has leveled out. However, he hasn’t dipped in quality. The forward’s production and ice presence are continually outstanding and the veteran guidance he can bring to a team can be unparalleled.

His age doesn’t define his play and his desire to keep playing for as long as he can is beyond justified. At 45 years old, Jagr isn’t too far from 50, but his play and production still exceeds some players half that. Why end the career of a player who can perform an entire season well just because of his age? Especially the career of someone as productive as Jagr?

Sign Jagr

I know that I’m not the only hockey fan awaiting a team announcement that Jagr has signed a contract. He can offer a lot to a team, even if it were only a one-year contract. Frankly, Jagr probably wants to go with one-year deals from here on out. He can offer any team reliable offense and a strong veteran presence.

Time and time again, NHL coaches and general managers have trusted Jagr to get the job done and give a top notch performance. Now is no different. Jagr can still play hockey and be a net positive.

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Even the Vegas Golden Knights could benefit from a seasoned vet like the man with the mullet. Taking a chance on an aging is one thing, but NHL teams know what to expect when they see Jagr take the ice.

The offseason isn’t over yet, which means that teams have enough time to come around to signing Jagr. He is a powerhouse of a player, despite his age, and if he were any younger there would be a bidding war over the legend. It shouldn’t take any team too long to figure it out.