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Flyers Anniversary Special: Jagr Switches Sides, Stuns Penguins

By Colin Newby

PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 24: Jaromir Jagr #68 of the Philadelphia Flyers scores his second goal of the game at 15:15 of the third period and gives his signature salute against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Wells Fargo Center on October 24, 2011 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Flyers defeated the Leafs 4-2. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 24: Jaromir Jagr #68 of the Philadelphia Flyers scores his second goal of the game at 15:15 of the third period and gives his signature salute against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Wells Fargo Center on October 24, 2011 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Flyers defeated the Leafs 4-2. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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The Philadelphia Flyers inked Jaromir Jagr to a 1-year, $3.3 million deal on July 1, 2011, ten years ago to the day.

Jagr, one of the greatest players in the history of the game, will not be remembered around the NHL for his time in Philadelphia. However, Flyers fans look back on his short tenure with appreciation and nostalgia. He did win some people over, after all, stunning the Pittsburgh Penguins by choosing to sign with their arch-rival to the east.

Flyers acquire veteran to play on Giroux’s wing

Jagr starred for the Penguins during his first two NHL seasons, helping them to back-to-back Stanley Cups in 1991 and 1992. He ultimately played 11 seasons in Pittsburgh, totaling 1079 points in 806 games. His pretty boy mantra made him a hated target of Flyers fans over that time span, and ensuing stints with the Washington Capitals and New York Rangers didn’t exactly change that perception.

Ahead of the league’s free agency period in 2011, rumors of Jagr’s potential return to the NHL swirled. He had spent the previous three seasons in the KHL, but his acumen was still highly regarded in North America, even at age 39. A reunion with the Penguins on a cheap veteran contract seemed like the logical scenario.

Major changes within the Flyers organization, most notably the departure of forwards Mike Richards and Jeff Carter, pointed to the emergence of 23-year-old Claude Giroux as the new franchise centerpiece entering the 2011-12 season. The need to surround Giroux with proven NHL talent in addition to up-and-coming younger players became apparent.

Former Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren dangled a considerable pay raise to Jagr compared to Pittsburgh’s estimated $2 million offer. The likelihood of ice time on power play in Philadelphia also factored in, as the Penguins’ star-studded lineup wouldn’t have allowed a maximized role for a 39-year-old.

Jagr ultimately ignored the reality of tarnishing his (admittedly short-term) reputation in Pittsburgh by choosing to wear orange and black. The Flyers also signed Maxime Talbot, a hero of Pittsburgh’s Stanley Cup run in 2009, to make matters worse for the Penguins.

Jagr was more than the typical “cup of coffee” veteran.

Jagr, a former gold medalist with Czechoslovakia in 1998, finished with 62 points in 84 games played with the Flyers (including playoffs). He spent the majority of his time on the top line with Giroux and winger Scott Hartnell. Both his linemates enjoyed their best seasons to that point in their respective careers.

His presence intangibly aided Giroux’s transition to becoming a reputable NHL captain. He gave Flyers fans a short taste of an iconic NHL career, regardless of whether or not he was playing at his true peak. His trademark salute quickly turned from a hated opponent’s attempt to gloat into a crowd favorite in Philadelphia. He even got the last laugh against the Penguins in the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Jagr went on to play six more seasons in the NHL, longer than the entire career span of the majority of NHL players. His artful scoring touch and superb hands have now allowed him to play an astonishing 33 seasons of professional hockey, and he doesn’t have any plans to retire.

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