March 16, 2017: Florida Panthers right wing Jaromir Jagr (68) skates during warm ups before facing the Columbus Blue Jackets in their game at Nationwide Arena in Columbus.Columbus, Ohio. Brent Clark/Pro Hockey News
NEW YORK – If you’re a fan of the New York Rangers and have been on the computer at least once in the last couple of days, then you know GM Jeff Gorton and company are fully prepared to blow it all up.
Larry Brooks of the New York Post reported that not only are Rangers going to look to move their aging winger Rick Nash along with speedster Michael Grabner, but they’re more than actively listening to offers for captain Ryan McDonagh and fan favorite Mats Zuccarello.
The news came as a bit of a shock to fans as McDonagh has been a staple of this team for years and Zuccarello is considered New York royalty and a move of either or both would be gut wrenching for some diehards, as well as a true sign of a rebuild.
While the trading of the captain or Zuccarello might cause riots within the Rangers community, they would undoubtedly bring back a handsome return. If New York is looking for a true rebuild, then they can get ready for some high draft picks and potential NHL ready prospects in return.
So hypothetically say by the trade deadline the Rangers get rid of Nash, Grabner, David Desharnais, Nick Holden, McDonagh and Zucarrello. That’s a lot of leadership lost and three more players from the memorable 2014 Stanley Cup run gone. While they can (hopefully) be happy for the future with the returns they’ll be getting, they still need leadership within the group to help mature young players and ease them into their role.
Enter Jaromir Jagr. Now hear me out.
The 45-year old winger has already had a stint with New York, albeit a decade ago, but put up record numbers as a Blueshirt. He captained the team and set the franchise record for goals in a season with 54. He’s one of the most liked players in the NHL (I said ‘one of’, I didn’t forget about P.K Subban) and would fill the veteran role the Rangers could use while shipping out their core.
He’s obviously no where near his production level these days, as he has just one goal and six assists through 22 games played for the Calgary Flames. But the signing wouldn’t be to give the Rangers the extra push in the playoffs, it would be to help the young players and play as a leader on a team looking for an identity. It could help some of the extremely young recent picks such as Lias Andersson (seventh overall in 2017) and Filip Chytil (21st overall in 2017). Already established players still in their early 20’s such as Mika Zibenajad, Jimmy Vesey, Pavel Buchnevich, J.T. Miller and Kevin Hayes could largely benefit off playing with an established veteran such as Jagr.
Getting rid of some of their core players now for the future would open up even more salary than the Rangers have now, so a cheap one-year contract wouldn’t hinder them from making near future moves. He currently is on a 1-year, $1-million contract with the Calgary Flames, but was put on waivers and might not get a crack at the NHL again.
What if he agreed to play in New York on the same deal? How do you say no to one of the greatest to ever lace them up who can help your young core for a cool million? The two-time Stanley Cup Champion has said before he is looking for longer contracts to solidify the next couple of years, but not many, if any, are willing to give a 45-year old a multi year deal.
The next couple of weeks are going to be a rollercoaster for Rangers fans, management and players. If New York truly decides to go full sell for the future, bringing in an affordable, proven leader would put an immediate impact on the young players, as well as a lasting impact on prospects just getting started to make their mark in the NHL.
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