By Stevo, AllHabs.net
MONTREAL, QC — Call your family and friends and tell them you love them, the world is coming to an end. No, I’m not talking about the May 21st date, believed by some to be the date God will destroy the world as we know it by fire. No, I’m talking about something far more serious. Fans of the Montreal Canadiens on twitter are asking that Pierre Gauthier sign Jaromir Jagr for the following season. KABOOM.
Let’s take you back six years to the 2005-2006 season, following the lock-out. Jagr had a tremendous season with the New York Rangers, picking up 54 goals and 69 assists, for a total of 123 points, playing in all 82 games for the team.
The next season was not so great however. In the 2006-2007 season, his goal production dropped almost by half from the previous season, but he still managed to finish the season with an admirable 96 points (30 goals, 66 assists) again playing in all 82 games. His game however was slowing, and you could tell that his decision making in split second situations was not the same as it used to be.
Jagr hit bottom in the 2007-2008 season where he looked more like the Jagr that had played two and a half seasons in Washington. He had a career low 25 goals on the season, picked up 46 assists and finished the season with only 71 points, lowest point total of his entire career. Of course, he still had talent and skill, but he simply was unable to keep up with the play like he used to.
After this, he left for the KHL where he’s played the last three seasons. In the KHL, Jagr only played about 50 games per season, much less ice time than he had to endure in the NHL’s 82 game schedule. He has managed roughly keep a point per game pace, but has only 7 goals in 26 playoff games with the Omsk Avangard over those three seasons.
So for what reason do fans of the Montreal Canadiens want this 39 year old, who would be playing into his 40th birthday this upcoming season, to play for the bleu blanc rouge? Two reasons.
First of all, an article made it’s way around roughly a month and a half ago, and it mentioned that Jaromir Jagr would love to come back to the NHL, and it also mentioned the Montreal Canadiens as a team he’d like to play for. Nothing more.
The article didn’t make many waves but about two weeks ago, a local reporter caught it, and from there, it created the little frenzy we’ve seen in recent days.
The other reason? Jagr himself, he had a good game. In his latest game at the World Hockey Championship, he scored a hat trick and lead the Czech Republic to a shutout win over team USA. This, combined with some good chemistry he’s shown with Canadiens’ centerman and fellow Czech teammate Tomas Plekanec (Jagr was Plekanec’s idol growing up), has some Habs fans screaming for a one year contract.
What does Pierre Gauthier have to say about this? Pierre Gauthier does not comment on speculation, so he’s said what is to be expected, nothing.
Even though some people believe Jagr is in the best shape he’s been in the last five years, I don’t believe he would be able to come back, at his age, into an 82 game NHL calendar. For a player to stay in the NHL and reach this age is one thing, but to leave for three seasons and come back now, I don’t believe will be possible for him.
For those who speak of his great chemistry with Plekanec, I must remind you of the great chemistry Plekanec had with Andrei Kostitsyn at the start of the last season. The chemistry that had Andrei Kostitsyn pick up 6 goals and 4 assists in his first 9 games, before being moved to the Gomez line.
Many have told me Jagr would be better to have on the wing than Kostitsyn, at least for the next season. Perhaps, there’s no way to know for sure. However, I would rather the Canadiens spend their money on players that they can build a team around, and not one that will be there just for the passing.
I like the youth movement I’ve seen from the Canadiens this season, with guys like Carey Price, P.K. Subban, Max Pacioretty, and even Ryan White and Yannick Weber stepping up their game, and I wouldn’t want to see the Canadiens take a risk on a borderline 40 year old, over a younger player with more upside.
Finally, Pierre Gauthier and Jacques Martin have always favored defensive minded players, and I really don’t see Jagr as an option they would even consider as a good fit in their system.
Jagr to the Habs, Yay or Nay?
Nay
Nay. But … Where does he measure up to a Selanne? And when is it a shaky idea to add a guy who can add maybe 20 – 25 goals? But nay. Too many unknowns to throw good money away on.
Nay, would rather see Palushaj get a crack at lineup and White, Desharnais, Eller and Pouliot have increased ice time next season.
Jagr may still have gas in the tank and chemistry with Plekanec, but i have always pulled for AHLers to get a fair chance and 10-15 minutes/game, over free agents parachuting in at alot higher salary. Old players are prone to injury and Jagr was never known as a team player and plays similar to a Kovalev, star one game and invisible for the next 3.
Eric: Although I don’t watch as many Western Conference games as I’d like to, my take on it is that although both have offensive abilities, Selanne has defensive abilities that Jagr doesn’t have, making him much less of a liability on the ice.
I also agree with Don on the comparison with Kovalev, I actually almost wrote that in the article.
Don, I agree, I’m one for giving young guys a chance, all while maintaining a proper balance/ratio of veterans to rookies of course.
It will be interesting to see the summer developments.
Thanks for the comments!
Stevo, great logical arguments against it. But my heart still says it could not hurt at at third liner price. Can you imagine Jager teaching Subban some moves?
Not a chance.
Jagr doesn’t fit any needs the Habs have.
The Canadiens need 5-on-5 scoring, and Jagr won’t help that. At his age and mobility, could he endure coming back to an 82 game schedule plus playoffs? I don’t know, but I doubt it.
You also have to question the wisdom of signing a guy who’s taking his negotiations public like this. Jagr has always been a money player, and there’s little reason to think he’s ready or willing to take a paycut from his 10 million dollar pay in the KHL for a mere fraction of that in the NHL. He’s more than likely leveraging leagues and teams against one another, and will sell his services to the highest bidder. I expect him to re-sign in the KHL, where he will get prime ice time, more money, in a league that has a less taxing schedule and not as grueling as the NHL.
The more I think about the idea of Jagr in Montreal, the more insane I think it is. Why would anyone want a guy like Jagr in a Jacques Martin system? In this case, we may as well sign Alex Kovalev, who at least we know has his heart in Montreal.
Nay. Keep that money and re-sign Wiz. Get big, youthful and physical players up front. I personally like the idea of Ladd and/or Oshie added to our crew.
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