I really want Jaromir Jagr (like a few others) for all sorts of crazy (probably non-nonsensical) reasons. Mainly, I want him to teach the kids via example.
1. His work ethic is off the charts. (Fits with culture + extends/adds to it?)
2. It would be cool for the young kids to see a living legend (morale?)
3. Have the kids to learn from him skill/attitude (also adds to #1)
3. His size would bring a "sort of" enforcer to the team which may help the kids avoid being flattened. (At almost the size of McGrattan. Jagr doesn't have to fight. Give him a perma playoff beard + mullet and no one will bully the kids in fear of Big Ern or the Wolverine... Czech-mate?)
4. His mercenary mode would be an interesting "culture addition" to the locker room. (Kids won't take things for granted seeing a veteran fighting for their spot day after day. Again see #1)
Misc:
- Have the guy train Colborne and Monahan? I'm sure Colborne/Monahan could learn a lot just watching Jagr up close and training with him.
- Heck, play him with Paul Byron then make up the Chihuahua and the grey wolf jokes for all I care. It's all entertaining.
- He's a guy who plays physical and has a big game? (That's still the case, right?)
- He's trying to increase his output, same as most kids. (Conflicts?)
- RW would be useful? (Line shuffles to accommodate hime)
- As a merc, I feel like he would want a solid role and sure, we can give him one. He feels like a guy who would respect the other players and roles the others hold. He knows he's not going to be a face of the franchise or the savior of the team. He just wants to plug in and play somewhere he can play well. (He doesn't seem like an overpowering alpha or prima donna.)
- He might like the Canadian market? (Plus I believe we have some of the best fans in the whole league)
- Short term contract means growing him out of the line up (growing the kids into the roles) is a natural progression.
I seriously just want him as a rent-a-teacher to the kids, protection and for entertainment value. Plus, I think he would fit in here with mere minor adjustments. I really don't mind the idea of him being here short term and I even think it's great having it that way if we're a rebuild team.
If we can't get him though, I'm not sure if he would still be a good fit in subsequent years. He feels like a good fit now.
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