This isn’t exactly the Florida offer Jagr was hoping for
Hockey icon Jaromir Jagr made it clear that he wanted to remain in Florida and play for the Panthers again this season.
But the interest wasn’t reciprocated as general manager Dale Tallon cut off negotiations with the 45year-old free agent right-winger.
However, Jagr still has the option to remain in South Florida. The Florida Everblades, an ECHL minor league club based in Estero, have extended a roster spot offer to hockey’s second all-time points scorer if he doesn’t receive any other offers from an NHL team.
“We believe this deal makes sense for both sides,” said Alex Reed, the Everblades public relations manager and broadcaster in a release. “Jaromir will have the opportunity to continue to play the game that he loves, while remaining in the tropical paradise of South Florida.
“From the team side, well, that’s obvious. Just imagine watching number 68 skate on Germain Arena ice, with his long hair flowing behind him. The whole thing just gives us chills.”
Neither Jagr nor his agent, Petr Svoboda, have responded to the offer on the table.
Jagr, who made $5.5 million last season with the Panthers that included $1.5 million in incentive bonuses, had 16 goals and 46 points in 82 games despite playing without his two standout linemates — Jonathan Huberdeau and Aleksander Barkov — for large chunks of the season.
The Everblades are willing to grant Jagr several perks in an attempt to entice him to accept their offer. They would not only allow Jagr to only play in home weekend games on Friday and Saturday, but they would also drive him up and back across Alligator Alley.