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At 7-7-2, mediocrity seems to be the destiny for the New Jersey Devils for the third straight season. Cory Schneider, finally the team’s undisputed starting goaltender, has been very disappointing. New Jersey might find a way to sneak into the playoffs, but it is difficult to see the Devils doing anything of note if they got there. The team doesn’t seem to have an identity other than its age; this is a reality represented no more appropriately than by Jaromir Jagr, the 42-year-old leading the Devils in scoring for the second straight year. Jagr is still a quality offensive player (much to his credit), but the Devils are going nowhere and need to get younger. Trading Jagr would be an intelligent move.
Signed only through the end of this season, Jagr would be a largely risk-free investment for other teams. While he is one of the slowest players in the NHL today, the Czech forward has found other ways to remain effective in the offensive zone. His puck control is second to none and his playmaking ability is every bit as noticeable as ever.
Any organization looking for an offensive spark for the playoffs would probably have some interest in trading for Jagr. The Nashville Predators, evidently reenergized under new coach Peter Laviolette, come to mind as a potential suitor. Quite a few teams would come calling if Jagr was made available. The Devils would be wise to look into trading him.
Sean Sarcu is a Chicago Blackhawks writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter or add him to your network on Google.
