Flames place Jaromir Jagr on waivers
By Dave Lambert
Jaromir Jagr’s brief spell with the Calgary Flames is at an end after he was placed on waivers by the club.
The future of age-defying sensation Jaromir Jagr is up in the air after being waived by Calgary today.
At an incredible 45 years old, it is miraculous that Jagr is still playing at such a high level. But he is now hoping to be picked up by a new NHL team.
The move has been rumored for a couple of weeks. Reporter Elliotte Friedman believes the Flames have now waived Jagr with his blessing, to help him find a new team.
Jagr signed in Calgary over the summer, on a one-year deal worth $1million with additional bonuses. But it just hasn’t worked out. The winger has seven points in 22 games, but has been plagued by injuries.
So what happens next? The first step is to see whether any other NHL teams claim Jaromir Jagr from the waiver wire. He will be available to all 30 clubs.
If no one claims him, then he could be heading to Europe to continue his career.
That could be achieved one of two ways. Either he could clear waivers and be assigned to a European team by the Flames. Or he could clear waivers and have his contract terminated by Calgary, allowing him to sign a new contract in Europe.
No matter where it is, and despite his age, Jagr is still committed to playing hockey.
It would be a surprise if anyone claims Jagr but, hey, you never know. Failing that, he’ll be heading to Europe. Bottom line is he still wants to keep playing.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) January 28, 2018
Most fans will hope this is not the end of Jagr’s NHL career. He has become a beacon of brilliance, not only due to his longevity, but also because of his skill level – even has 45 years-old.
In his prime, Jagr was one of the very best NHLers. Only Wayne Gretzky has more career points than his 1,921.
Jagr won back-to-back Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 1990s. He also has a handful of Art Ross scoring titles and plenty of other hardware to show for his on-ice heroics.
Next: 10 reasons Stanley Cup Playoffs are better than NBA Playoffs
His sensational career has taken him to the KHL and back again, putting up points for a huge number of NHL franchises along the way. He has worn his famous No. 68 jersey for the New York Rangers, Washington Capitals, Philadelphia Flyers, Dallas Stars, Boston Bruins, New Jersey Devils, Florida Panthers and now the Flames.
Here’s hoping another team takes a shot at Jagr on the waiver wire.