Pens should sign Jagr

Surprisingly, the NHL salary cap took a jump of nearly $5 million dollars. Such a drastic jump will change every NHL’s offseason plan, including your Pittsburgh Penguins.


About a month ago there were rumors all over the web, talking Jaromir Jagr to the Penguins. It was mostly a fantasy rumor, because the odds were astronomical against it happening. Now, with the jump in the salary cap, the Pens could once again come to try and bring Jagr back to the organization he once helped transform.

Over the past weekend Jagr had serious discussions with both the Detroit Red Wings and the Montreal Canadians. However, since the jump of the salary cap, sources have said that the Penguins have seriously reached out to Jagr’s agent, former NHL defenseman Petr Svoboda. Svboada has said that dialogue between both Jagr and the Penguins is ongoing.

This move would be one for the ages. All of it is going to come down to money. If Jagr can be signed for $3 mil or less than the Pens should sign him. Jagr, at 39,. is still a better, more productive winger than any of the Penguins current wingers. Give Jagr a Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin and prepare to watch magic happen.

I hear some Penguins’ fans saying that signing Jagr would be a mistake. These people either hate Jagr because of his reputation or simply just don’t understand hockey. The Penguins wouldn’t be interested in Jagr unless they believed he would help the team win the Stanley Cup.

Whatever some of “yinz” think about Jagr, fact is he is a winner, good teammate, and is willing to play under any conditions. He’s played through many injuries and sicknesses, some of the time he seemed to play better under tough times.

I also hear some Pens’ fans worried about the future. Hey in case some of yinz weren’t aware the future is now. Crosby, 23 is the best player in the world. Malkin, 24 is a top 10 player in the world. The Penguins were one game away from the second round despite not having either of those guys. Now add a healthy Crosby , Malkin, and Jagr. You have a team that can win a Stanley Cup next season.

Add in the fact that Jagr is going to play with a chip on his shoulder, I would expect nothing less. Jagr wants to prove that he is still a great player. Go read some of his quotes and you'll see for yourself. The Penguins should sign Jagr. Add in Eric Tangradi and Dustin Jeffery into the every night lineup and the Penguins will have one of the most complete teams in the NHL next year.