The New Jersey Devils are sitting near the bottom of the Eastern Conference and it’s clear the club will be sellers this season. One of the assets the Devils could safely part with is 42-year-old Jaromir Jagr. The veteran is under contract this year for $3.5 million and the Devils would be wise to pick up any asset(s) they can while allowing Jagr to potentially close out his year with a contender.
Is Jagr open to a trade? He wouldn’t have an issue with it, according to an interview with Trib Live.
“I have no problem with anything. It’s up to (Devils general manager) Lou (Lamoriello). He knows me. I know him. I’ve got no problem with (being traded). If he wants to move me, he will. If he doesn’t, he doesn’t. He knows I like it here, but it’s all about whatever is best for the team.”
Jagr’s statement is about as safe as they come. We’re betting he’s more than open to being traded considering he’s spending potentially the last year of his career battling for a losing team.
A trade makes sense for both parties. The Devils will receive something for an asset they know will be leaving and Jagr gets to close out his storied career somewhere other than the league’s basement.
