Unrestricted free agent Jaromir Jagr has made it clear that he intends on playing in the 2013-14 season. The 41-year-old was thought to possibly retire this year, but instead he plans on returning for another year, the only question is where does he land? Interest surrounding the forward has been mild at best. Several teams have called but no one has given him a serious look. Jagr has narrowed his wish list down to a few teams, hoping one of them bites.
Accoding to Jagr's agent, the Carolina Hurricanes are at the top of his desired landing spots. Jagr has relations with Hurricanes' vice president Ron Francis. The two were teammates on the Pittsburgh Penguins and won two Stanley Cup championships during that time. The Hurricanes are still interested in signing an elite free agent to a cheap contract and Jagr could be just that.
Carolina general manager Jim Rutherford stated they want a free agent that comes with championship experience but is willing to play on a one-year deal for less money. The longer Jagr sits on the market, the more likely he is to considering taking that move.
While Carolina might be on Jagr's list, it is uncertain whether the Hurricanes would seriously look at him. One team showing mutual interest in the forward is the Montreal Canadiens. Jagr's agent told TVA that his client liked what he saw in Montreal last season and would like to contribute to the team's success. Montreal finished as the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference, but lost in the first round of the playoffs. Jagr has shown interest in the Canadiens once before.
"I had never played in Canada, so I would like to try it," Jagr said. "The Canadiens went in a different direction, so that's Ok. I feel like Canada lives more for hockey, so I wanted to try it at the end of my career, how it is to play in Canada."
The Ottawa Senators are another possible option for the veteran. General manager Bryan Murray is considering Jagr, but is more likely to sign younger talent instead. Jagr spent time last season with both the Dallas Stars and the Boston Bruins. He recorded 16 goals and 19 assists while not doing anything in the postseason. Despite his age, Jagr promises to still have some gas left in the tank.
