Bartolo Colon signed with the Twins. Jamal Crawford is headed to the Wolves. The Vikings employ one of the oldest players in the league in Terrance Newman.
Now it’s time for the Wild to join in on the old guy parade.
There’s been reports Minnesota could go after 40-year-old Matt Cullen but that’s not who were talking about here. Instead they should figure out a way to land the Ageless Wonder, Jaromir Jagr.
Does he fit in?
Jagr and his beautiful mullet are still getting it done. The 44-year-old just wrapped up his 23rd season in the NHL. He’s currently a free agent after spending the last 2.5 seasons with the Florida Panthers, putting up 46 points (16 goals, 30 assists) last season.
He’s still effective on the power play too. His 8 power-play goals last season would have been tied for first on Minnesota’s roster. Jagr also shoots the puck a ton, registering 181 shots last year. And if you’ve ever been to a Wild game, all the fans ever yell is, “Shoooooooot it” – he’d be an immediate favorite in the State of Hockey.
Obviously having a veteran like Jagr would do wonders in the Wild’s locker room. He won two Stanley Cups in the ’90s (before this writer was even born…) and has played for eight teams during his NHL career.
Can the Wild afford him?
That’s the elephant in the room. Minnesota is still trying to sign RFAs Nino Niederrieter, Mikael Granlund and Marcus Foligno and will have limited cap space available after that.
So it would be tough, but not impossible if Jagr is willing to take less money
Are the Wild even pursuing him?
There’s been no steam on the Wild pursing Jagr. In fact, no one seems to be calling him. He even tweeted at the end of June that he’s been “calling teams” on his own behalf …
Everywhere I look,I read:all FA getting calls from10-12teams. Me0 calls.On the contrary,I'm trying to call them,and no ones picking up.😀😳🇨🇿
— Jaromir Jagr (@68Jagr) June 29, 2017
The Wild landing Jagr is obviously a bit of a pipe dream but when you factor in his veteran presence, his contributions on the power play and the fact every other professional team in Minnesota is doing it, we ask: why the heck not?
