OT: Jagr's return to the NHL...for the Wings?
So, Jaromir Jagr wants back in the NHL. Apparently he (rather, his people) contacted the Red Wings. The FSD article mentions that the Wings had no problems offensively last year, and therefore aren't pursuing any forwards. I still think Jagr would be a sick pickup. He is 39, but definitely has a few more years left.
It's not a comeback if the mullet doesn't come back too.
This hairdo is right for so many reasons.
He looks like the villain from a Karate Kid movie.
This is the truest post I've ever read on these pages.
Jagr absolutely dominated at the worlds this year, he definitely still has it. The wings may not have had much trouble offensively last year but Babcock has stated that he wants another forward and Jagr would likely come fairly cheap.
but I agree, he would be a good pick up. I honestly thought that he was passd it until the worlds this year. The old guy still has some gas left in the tank after all.
but does he have enough for a whole season?
But will he backcheck and willingly play the part of the game referred to as "defense"? I guess we signed Brett Hull and Luc Robitaille a few years back w/o worrying much about their defensive prowess. Jagr would probably be an upgrade over Jiri Hudler (also not known for his defense) - or maybe he would even help light a fire under Hudler. I guess there isn't a tremendous risk signing him if he's willing to come cheaply.
I keep hearing that the Wings didn't have any offensive problems last year but saw issues in the playoffs. I know there were injuries, but that's exactly my point. If Jagr can skate his wing, be at least responsible defensively and add some goal scoring depth in case of injury, I'm all for it. AND, while he's not physical, he's not easy to knock off the puck and has tremendous reach - both important attributes in the playoffs.
He's always been strong on the puck, I'll give him that.
Some of our offensive issues stem from the lack of a good right handed shot on the LW. Too often we have to cycle the puck to RW to get our shots off because we don't have a good angle to shot from.
No thanks, unless he would come for chump change. Look at how Modano worked out. I love Modano but he isn't the same as he used to be. I'd much rather see Tatar step up offensively than Jagr.
Yes, thank you. We're not a senior citizen's center. Jagr's never been known for his defense, nor being a team player. I'll live without him. Really, no thanks. He's making 5 million right now in the KHL---how big of a cut is willing to take? I bet not that much. Also, the World's aren't a great barometer of success. As we saw with Hudler, success in the KHL doesn't translate to NHL success necessairly (not that Hudler has ever been 1/10 of the player Jagr has been). I'd much rather give a youngster a chance or sign a different FA.
The Red Wings need to get younger, faster, and stronger...also, I do not care how much he tore it up in the KHL, that league cannot even come close to the NHL...I have faith in Ken Holland that he will not do this, instead he will go after 1 or 2 good top 6 defenseman (reasonably priced: Bieksa or Wisnewski), maybe some top 9 forward that can really have an impact, and bring up some young guys like Mursak and Emmerton to bring some speed and grit...
is very solid. I would actually be upset to lose him from the Habs. On the other hand, if they get all their injured defensemen back they will be fine. The Wings probably need Wis a lot more.
Habs defense is UFA this year. Hamerlik, Wis, and Markov are all signable this year.(Especially if they make a move for Brad Richards) I have to think that the Wings would like Jovanovski on defense just because they lost Rakalskis goals and Jovanovski is such a great 2 way defender, and even more physical.
Jovo if he comes cheap is fine by me. He's not gonna be the replacement for Raffy though. We'd still have to hit up for a bigger name too. He's far too injury prone for my liking to be the go to guy.
Will Ehrhoff be available?
Yes.
will be available because Brad Richards is a FA this year so teams may be willing to make cap room to sign him. We could trade up if we're lucky instead.
How many lines do we need with speed and grit? You aren't going to take top line guys out for those guys yet. If we bring up 2 fast gritty guys they will have to be in the place of Draper, Miller, or Eaves. Jagr would be a top line guy, give us 2 very good power play units and not have to play a ton of minutes. As long as the price is right, I would go for it.
Also, as you said nothing should get in the way of signing a D or 2. But Bieksa will not be reasonably priced. Wis.. maybe. He is restricted but I would look into Yandle. love his game.
We could afford Bieksa.
I don't think he'll come cheap, which is the reason I don't think he'll come at all. He made $7 million last year with Avangard and nobody in the NHL is going to pay nearly that. Maybe he wants back in so bad he'll take alot less money, but I doubt it. He can make alot more by staying in Europe.
Edit: And just after posting, I read an article that lends more credence to the possiblility. Apparently, Jagr only wants to stay in Russia if it is with Avangard, and they may not want to pony up. Also, Detroit is one of the 4 teams contacted by his north american agent.
If he comes cheap, I don't see why not. The #1 priority obviously has to be a young, solid defenseman to replace Rafalski (and hopefully not another one to replace Lidstrom), but if we can get that defenseman and still have room for Jagr, I don't see why we shouldn't take him.
I'd rather have a younger version of him, but if that's not available, then he'd be a good get
Bruins fans were bitching about Kaberle early in the play-offs but man did he play some good D in the Finals. He'd look good in with a winged wheel on his chest.
Regarding the Jagr-to-the-Red Wings rumor from Denik Sport’s Zdenek Janda, as noted this morning, here’s all you need to know about the legitimacy of a, “Jagr’s pal, Jaroslav Zidek, says Detroit would be a good fit” line—none of the other Czech hockey websites are so much as mentioning this “report.” Not one. It’s just a pal of Jagr’s making a suggestion and a website plastering a picture of Jagr and a Red Wings logo to generate web traffic (now Expressen’sreport that Niclas Wallin’s left the NHL to play for Lulea, that one’s true)
I am for signing Jagr but for the right price. If we are able to sign Jagr at or near the veteran minimum it would allow for a couple options.
1. Could make Filpulla expendable and trade bait with Winnipeg for Zach Bogosian.
2. Allow for wings to make good run at ex-Michigan defenseman James Wisniewski.
On the other hand...
3. Could spell no contract offer and subsequent retirement of Chris Drapper.
Bring back Chelios. The 2011 Detroit red wings, 1995 all world team
/s
Yeah, I realize Jagr still has some skill left. Current Datsyuk + 1990s Jagrwould be like watching the Harlem Globetrotters on ice.
We would dominate NHL94 on SNES... one-timers FTW! Maybe Selanne will come back for one more year. Or we could see about reuniting the old Red Army line of Bure-Fedorov-Mogliny.
what about all the noise regarding shae weber from Nashville? I think Id much rather have him than another older player who probably wont be able to play full ice time in the playoffs.
there is no possible (realistic) way for Detroit to sign Shea Weber without destroying their cap situation by over paying like hell, and Nashville will match any realistic offer sheet given to him.
Please Hockey Gods do not let this guy sign with the wings. That is the last thing the wings need, another old guy that has trouble keeping up and moving around.
You obviously did not watch the worlds