One day after the NHL regular season, the Florida Panthers made a small and predictable tremble in the hockey world with the announcement of re-signing long time veteran forward, Jaromir Jagr, to a one-year contract extension. Financial details yet to come.
BREAKING: #FlaPanthers re-sign Jaromir Jagr to a one-year contract. pic.twitter.com/hcQSE7O4Ih
— Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) April 12, 2015
Recently, in the past month, Jagr has been able to pass Phil Esposito on the all time goal scoring list at fifth place when he launched his 718th NHL career goal. Just within the last few days, the Czech winger was also able to pass Ron Francis on the all time points list, good for fourth place.
As of right now his NHL regular season career stats read as 1550 games played, 722 goals, 1080 assists, which is good for 1802 points. Jagr only needs 12 more goals to be able to pass Marcel Dionne and become the fourth best goal scorer of all time. Next on the list to pass in points for third place is hockey legend, “Mr. Hockey” Gordie Howe, who totalled at 1850.
In 77 games with the New Jersey Devils and the Florida Panthers this season, Jaromir was able to score 17 goals and 30 assists.
The move comes after weeks of speculation concerning Jagr’s future. Florida general manager Dale Tallon indicated that he wanted to keep Jagr, and was happy with how the veteran was mentoring young Panthers forwards Aleksander Barkov, Jonathan Huberdeau, and Nick Bjustad.
For his part, Jagr was pleased to take on the role. “I play with great young players with a great future. They play a different style that fits me well,” he said. “It’s fast hockey and even someone might say it’s not good for me, I think it is. The practices are at the highest tempo, and when I’m on the ice during the games with those kids, I know each shift I have a chance to score. Sometimes I touch the puck just once and suddenly I’m open in front of the goal.”
Up next for Jagr, he is joining the Czech Republic National Team for practices and will decide if he wants to play in the IIHF World Championships.
“We agreed we’ll sit and chat after he comes to Prague. But I’ll definitely try to persuade him. I’ve seen his last games with the Panthers and he’s been playing unbelievably well,” Czech coach Vladimir Ruzicka said.
