NHL Trade Deadline 2015: Top 5 Players the Penguins Should Target
1. Jaromir Jagr
Mar 7, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; New Jersey Devils right wing Jaromir Jagr (68) celebrates his goal in the second period against the Detroit Red Wings at Joe Louis Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Who else?
With the Penguins in need of offense, veteran leadership, and some more size up front, former club legend Jaromir Jagr once again presents himself as a viable trade option.
Despite clocking in at 42 years of age, Jagr still possesses uncanny ability on the ice, which has translated into 11 goals and 29 points this season.
His massive frame (6’3″, 230 lbs) remains a strong attribute, and his vision and offensive awareness have clearly not left him as of yet.
Much has been discussed recently regarding the possibility of a Jagr trade. The veteran winger reportedly wants out of New Jersey so that he can help a contender make an impact in the postseason.
Reports have also surfaced recently indicating that Evgeni Malkin was asked by team brass whether or not he felt Jagr would fit in well with him on the second line – to which Malkin replied yes, he would.
This indicates that if the team was to acquire the winger, he would slot in with Malkin and Patric Hornqvist, moving Blake Comeau down to the third line. Thus, the move could give the latter three Pens lines an upgrade in terms of the ripple effect it would have – effectively balancing out the team’s offensive unit.
The true issue here will be actually getting the trade to happen. Devils’ GM Lou Lamoriello has a history of avoiding deals with Pittsburgh, and he won’t be giving away Jagr for spare change regardless.
While New Jersey isn’t knocking on the door of the Stanley Cup finals by any means, they’re not a basement-dweller either, so Lamoriello is going to want real pieces coming back to New Jersey – something the Pens may not be willing to offer considering Jagr’s time in the league is nearing its end.
The veteran’s $3.5 million cap hit poses a problem too.
If acquired, Jagr could certainly help this team, and it would be quite a sight to see him perhaps retire as a Penguin sometime down the road.
But considering what they’d have to give up to get him, and to make room for him, it seems unlikely that Jagr suits up for the black and gold this season unless GM Jim Rutherford feels his team needs a significant shake-up before they head into the postseason (which wouldn’t be completely out of the question considering their recent play).