Getty images
The New Jersey Devils are in trade rumors all over the country. Blogs for most contending teams talk about how certain players on this team could really help their team. Jaromir Jagr is the main player that teams are looking to try to acquire.
Jagr has shown he somehow still has plenty in the tank despite the fact that he is about to turn 43 years old in two weeks. The immaculate way that he takes care of his body is the main reason why he is able to stay so competitive during years when other players can barely skate anymore.
So what is Jagr worth on the trade market today?
Well, he is worth enough to have his own hashtag (#Jagrwatch or #Jagrwatch2015). It seems that the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Devils’ opponent on Friday, might be the team that has the most rumors tied to the right winger. They obviously know Jagr very well, since he used to play with their owner, Mario Lemieux, back in the 1990s. It seems like this matchup would make sense, since the Penguins have been ravished by injuries and they could use some forward depth.
Jagr is worth more than one would expect. While he obviously isn’t going to bring along a superstar package, teams know he will be the piece that puts a team over the top. A contending team would be willing to pay an arm and a leg if they think the trade will be key to winning a championship.
The team that gets Jagr will probably affect his value. If the Devils trade him to the Penguins, or even the Washington Capitals who has been among the many rumors, they will ask for so much more. Trading him within the division, while unlikely, will yield a much bigger return.
If the Devils trade Jagr to a Western Conference team, the package in return would still be a good one. The Devils would probably be willing to trade him to an Atlantic division team as well since they are not going to be in the playoffs if they decide to trade Jagr. Both the Montreal Canadiens and Boston Bruins have been rumored.
Jagr will bring the Devils some young, unproven talent. They need to make sure they hit on this trade, if they make it. Jagr is one of the few things that puts people in the seats of the Prudential Center. If they trade the fan favorite team player, then the rest of the team could be playing in front of empty arenas. Lou Lamoriello needs to make sure he hits the trade on the head, or it could spell the end of his regime.
Ultimately, Jagr will bring a nice package, but it could end up underwhelming fans. There won’t be anyone who can help now. They will get a few players who could go either way, and maybe one prospect who is closer to a sure thing. They probably won’t get anyone who is going to become a star. That will make the Devils hesitate as we get closer and closer to the deadline.
Nick Villano is the New Jersey Devils writer for Rant Sports. He also adds to the site’s NBA, MLB and NFL content. You can follow him on Twitter or add him to your Google circle.
