Jaromir Jagr, Flyers nearing new contract before NHL Draft
During the Philadelphia Flyers' final meeting with the media after second round elimination at the hands of the New Jersey Devils, Jaromir Jagr knew he wanted to play hockey next season, but was uncertain if it would be in the NHL or with the Flyers.
The 40-year old Jagr produced 54 points in 73 games with Philadelphia this season and proved that even with an aging body and three years away in the KHL he could still contribute at the NHL level.
After last summer's #JagrWatch saga, it appears as though Jagr's future will be decided before July 1. Jagr's agent, former NHLer Petr Svoboda, told CSN Philadelphia's Tim Panaccio that he and Flyers GM Paul Holmgren have discussed a 1-year deal for next season.
From CSN:
"I've talked to Jaromir and I have talked to Paul [Holmgren] and we hope to get something done before the draft," Svoboda said, adding that whatever impression Jagr left last month was no longer accurate.
Holmgren told Panaccio that they are interested in bringing Jagr back.
Jagr succeeded in Philadelphia because he no longer needed to be "the man" like he had to be in previous NHL stops. Surrounded by the likes of Claude Giroux, Danny Briere and Scott Hartnell, the Flyers were already set with key offensive weapons, so Jagr could find his role in the lineup and go from there. His chemistry with Giroux was a big reason why the 24-year had a breakout season.
And who doesn't want to see what Jagr has in store for next year's playoff after after his squirrel's tail in 2008 and Wolverine look this year?
In other Flyers news, Holmgren also spoke to Flyers.com today about Chris Pronger and the update is that there really is no update.
"He continues to have some good days and then some bad days ... He struggles."
Follow Sean Leahy on Twitter at @Sean_Leahy
