Devils sign Jaromir Jagr

The New Jersey Devils knew that they had to do something to address the loss of Ilya Kovalchuk and the team took a step in that direction as the Devils inked 41 year old winger Jaromir Jagr to a one year contract.

The contract is worth two million guaranteed with another two million payable if Jagr plays in forty games this season.
The right winger was productive last season with Dallas and Boston with 16 goals,but at 41,Jagr has questions on how much he has remaining in his career.
There are good things that Jagr brings even at 41.
He still is one of the better players in the league on the power play and between him and Michael Ryder,the PP production lost with Kovalchuk's departure could be made up and even surpassed.
A problem with the Devils with a man up in the Kovy era was that all too often,players stood around and watched as Kovalchuk maneuvered with the puck and the flow of the game stopped.
That will not happen with this years team as the talent will not allow that type of play.
Jagr also is tough with the puck and will not be easily shoved off it either.
So,Jaromir Jagr is still capable of contributing,especially offensively.

However,defensively is a different matter.
Never a great defender in his prime,Jagr has become a defensive liability as he ages and he has more than lost a step as a skater,which is to be expected.
Jagr certainly is not going to be killing penalties at this stage of his career and is going to have to be spotted carefully as far when his line hits the ice..

Am I thrilled with this signing? Not really,Jagr has spent too much time in enemy jerseys (Penguins,Capitals,Rangers and Flyers) for that to happen,but considering the need and timing of the need (Thanks again Kovalchuk),I cannot be too critical.
The length is one year,not an extravagant cost and Jagr could prove helpful.
I cannot say that with certainty,but most likely,he will be worth the investment.....

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