Quote:
Originally Posted by Serapth
According to TSN Jagr hasn't got a single offer?
This just strikes me as a near impossibility. Even as a 3rd/4th line player, he'd be an upgrade on the roster of basically 30 NHL teams. Any thoughts on why nobody has taken a shot?
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Age and skating are probably the two big reasons nobody has given him an offer along with apprehension about how well he'd take any drop down the depth chart or scratching. He's slow and getting slower. If you have possession in the offensive zone then he's fine. But he's not helping you get possession back if you lose it. And he's not likely to be able to score on a quick break transition. How will he handle it if the coach wants to rest him or doesn't trust him 5 on 5?
I dunno I'm torn on Jagr. Personally I don't see much room for him if we're healthy. I think he and Iginla would be big distractions if they had to be dropped down the lineup due to performance. How well would either take being scratched? How would they handle fourth line duties? These are proud guys who've been 1st liners and all stars their entire careers. Neither of them is known for their defensive play and both of them have had their skating ability diminish. Speedy guys who can play defense can always have a role. But slow guys who aren't good defensively are probably a liability if they aren't playing well on a scoring line.
I think both Jagr and Iginla are quite risky because of this. The minute they stop being effective offensive players they can be a liability and a distraction. Is their upside worth the risk? Or do you gamble on the young players and prospects you already have and their upside instead? I would've take Jagr a year ago over Brouwer. But we don't really need to gamble on a Jagr IMO. The Flames are deep up front and most of it is young talent. There is no obvious hole that he would fill. I'd be curious to see him with Johnny but I'd also be apprehensive about how it would work out. I think Ferland and Tkachuk are better options overall.