Jaromir Jagr Traded To The Panthers Who Are Gunning For That 8 Seed

PHT - The Florida Panthers have made a big splash prior to Monday’s trade deadline, acquiring 43-year-old Jaromir Jagr from New Jersey in exchange for in exchange for a second-round draft pick in 2015 and a conditional third-round draft pick in 2016.

Jagr has scored 11 goals and 29 points in 57 games for the Devils this season, but recently complained about his lack of ice time and the club’s narrowing (virtually closed) window for making the playoffs. While there’s no guarantee he’ll get there with Florida, the Panthers do have a better shot — heading into tonight’s action they’re just two points back of Boston for the final wild card spot in the Eastern Conference.

What a way to end the day. 150 year old Jaromir Jagr going to south Florida to play hockey. Pretty interesting that the Panthers value getting the 8th seed this year more than they value a 2nd round pick (and a 3rd rounder as well), but I think I would too. Playoffs is where the money is, especially for the Panthers who draw roughly 18 people per game.

Jagr obviously isn’t the best player anymore, but any time you can add the NHL’s 5th all time leading scorer who is still producing and a veteran presence in the locker room, it’s not the worst move. Plus he fits in perfectly in Florida, what with all the Bingo halls and early bird dinners and the like.

PS: Pretty nuts Jagr is 5th all-time in points in the NHL. 14 points from moving past Ron Francis into 3rd. And has played about 200 fewer games. And he’s only 1,074 points from passing Wayne Gretzky for first all time. To put that in perspective, 1,074 points would be good for 61st all time in the NHL. So he’s a HOF career away from passing Gretzky. Insane.