Jaromir Jagr and the Calgary Flames

After not receiving a NHL offer this past summer, it seemed that long time and multi team player, Jaromir Jagr, may be done playing in North America. But after lack luster pre-season performances from Curtis Lazar and Spencer Foo, the Flames brass thought it may be worth it to sign the Czech forward to play one more year in the NHL.

At 45 years old, Jagr adds one more team to his long list of stops during his career; and gets to add to his stats package that seems to scroll on forever when you look at it.

He currently sits 4th in all-time games played and has a chance to leap frog into 1st if this season pans out well for him and he can suit up for almost all of the remaining games. He is 3rd in goals scored, behind legends Gordie Howe and Wayne Gretzky. 5th overall in assists with a chance to gain a spot and pass Ray Bourque. And he is 2nd overall in points behind the untouchable Wayne Gretzky total of 2857, which is over 900 points on Jaromir's 1914.

Even last season with the Florida Panthers, Jagr managed to amass 46 points in 82 regular season contests which seems impossible given his age. The reason behind such a decent showing? Skill, hockey IQ, strength and seemingly never ending drive to want to play the game.

Many people know that Jagr has a habit of working out late into the night when at the arena and is often times one of the last ones out of the building. But what people may not see is the ability to teach young players new tricks and learn a new thing or two himself.  For a man who has seemingly done it all in the sport of hockey, he never seems finished with it. There is always a new technique to try, a new move to master and a new player for him to help turn into a pro. And what better teacher to have than the greatest Czech player of all time.

But what does it mean for some of his new teammates with his arrival? Well Spencer Foo was sent down to the AHL (Stockton Heat) and Curtis Lazar was given notice that if he doesn't pick it up, there will be more time in the press box in his future. Jagr didn't participate in last nights home opener for the Flames (6-3 W over the Jets), but all indications from his teammates were that he seemed ready during practice. He did mention in an interview that it's possible to see him play on the upcoming California road for the Flames, but it depends on how he feels before that decision will be made. That means that any player that possibly plays RW for the Flames may find themselves out of the line-up for a night or two or in a new position.

It's a given that Johnny Gaudreau, along with Sean Monahan and company will eventually get some playing time with the Czech veteran, but it remains to be seen how much and when that will happen. Rumor has it now that Jagr will see more 3rd line time with Sam Bennett and Kris Versteeg, and some potential time on the Power Play unit (either first or second).

Whenever it does happen, Flames fans are already rejoicing that Jagr has signed in their city and they  are looking forward to the first game he pulls that iconic #68 over his head wearing their colors.