Jaromir Jagr promised an update on his future by Wednesday. The veteran free agent took to his Facebook page to post a cryptic video saying all he saw with his NHL future was black. However, it is now Friday and no one knows what "black" means. Many speculated the message meant Jagr would likely be retiring from the NHL whiles others named every team in the league with black in their jerseys. It seems Jagr might not be ready to quit just yet, showing interest in the New Jersey Devils.
A Czech media outlet, Isport.cz, reports that Jagr was in fact in New Jersey on Thursday to visit the Prudential Center and check out team facilities. If Jagr does decide to continue his NHL career, the Devils would be an ideal fit for him. New Jersey lost most of their offense after players like David Clarkson left in free agency and Ilya Kovalchuk kind of retired. Jagr is still a top scorer and the best available on the free agent market.
The Devils have been interested in signing a scorer, recently looking at Detroit Red Wings former forward Damien Brunner. Jagr may be 41, but he did score 16 goals and record 19 assists in 45 games last season while splitting time with the Dallas Stars and Boston Bruins. He did not score in the postseason, but was still a threat on the ice.
Jagr has also received interest from the Montreal Canadiens and the Carolina Hurricanes. It is unclear whether or not it is mutual. One place Jagr can count on not being is back with the Boston Bruins. General manager Peter Chiarelli told media that the team was not considering re-signing the free agent.
Chiarelli had a discussion with Jagr upon his exit meeting and made it clear the team was not interested in bringing him back. He clarified that the team was moving on and done making moves for now. It was once thought Boston would consider bringing him back if the veteran remained on the market for a period of time, but that is not happening.
Jagr has said he does not intend on retiring but it is clear his options of places to sign are dwindling down. Any team will likely get him for cheap, but it could be time for the veteran to hang up the skates.
