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New York Rangers: Five Expansion Exposed Trade Targets

By Lou Venditti

Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 28, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Florida Panthers forward Jaromir Jagr (68) skates with the puck past Toronto Maple Leafs forward Connor Brown during the first period at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 28, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Florida Panthers forward Jaromir Jagr (68) skates with the puck past Toronto Maple Leafs forward Connor Brown during the first period at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

Jaromir Jagr

Jaromir Jagr is not going to be protected by the Florida Panthers, and it’s the perfect time for a reunion with the Rangers. Jagr, who formerly captained the Rangers, holds Rangers records for points and goals in a single season (2005-2006).

Jagr has been playing in the NHL longer than a couple of teams. Drafted in 1990 by the Pittsburgh Penguins, Jagr joined the league and instantly rose to stardom, producing at the highest level and winning Stanley Cups. He has played for eight teams in the NHL, appearing in 1711 games. He is second in overall points to only Wayne Gretzky with 1914. Jagr is one of the most impressive players alive today.

With his long list of achievements, Jagr himself is a draw to games. It’d be an added bonus for the Rangers to be able to reunite with their former captain, who can still produce. Jagr played all 82 games for the Florida Panthers in 2016-2017, scoring 16 goals and adding 30 assists. He consistently performs, even nearing 45. Jagr slots well into the bottom six, which will be suffering for the Rangers after the expansion draft.

Next: Rangers' bubble candidates for expansion protection

Jagr’s price tag is the main concern. He’s coming off a season where he was paid $4 million, which is too expensive for the Rangers to spend on a bottom six forward. His best days are obviously behind him, but Jagr’s name alone asks for a hefty price. The Rangers don’t have the money to make it work.

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