Raymond Bourque winning in Colorado was one of the greatest momments in NHL history.

Jagr returns to the Penguins and finishes one of the greatest careers in NHL history by hoisting the cup where it all began for him is a storyline for the ages. That is why he is relevant to the Penguins.
- stackthepads

He isn't relevant to the Pens because he doesn't play here. You are all about nostalgia, just like anyone else who wants Jagr back. I want players that serve a purpose short and long term. Jagr doesn't do that.

He isn't relevant to the Pens because he doesn't play here. You are all about nostalgia, just like anyone else who wants Jagr back. I want players that serve a purpose short and long term. Jagr doesn't do that.
- Oneonta Penguin

How does he not serve a purpose this year and possibly next?
He has stated he wouldnt have a problem with a reduced role which means he is okay playing 3rd line. Who is a better 3rd line option right now?

That's the thing... My single obsession if I'm JR would be to swap out Sutter. If he's honestly evaluating this team, he can see it too.
- madmike71

I don't think he is honestly evaluating Sutter. He drafted him and resigned him. I think there is more emotional attachment to Sutter's value than maybe any other player on the roster. And that is reinforced when Johnston is playing him 18+ minutes/game.

That's the thing... My single obsession if I'm JR would be to swap out Sutter. If he's honestly evaluating this team, he can see it too.

As far as the D goes... I think they could survive a round of either Malkin or Sid going down. I don't feel confident they could survive a series of Bortz and Pouliot. It's not like our D are of the "iron man" mold. Letang, Martin, Hoff.....well I don't want to use the word fragile but...
- madmike71

Sutter + Bennett for Jagr + Ruutu/Zubrus + pick/prospect + Jersey retains cap so we can fit them this year.

I don't think he is honestly evaluating Sutter. He drafted him and resigned him. I think there is more emotional attachment to Sutter's value than maybe any other player on the roster. And that is reinforced when Johnston is playing him 18+ minutes/game.
- jfkst1

He also traded him too. Just saying. I think they had to sign him after last years playoffs.

HCMJ has no choice but to play him 18mins. Somebody's got to play 3c.

How does he not serve a purpose this year and possibly next?
He has stated he wouldnt have a problem with a reduced role which means he is okay playing 3rd line. Who is a better 3rd line option right now?
- stackthepads

There is no possibly next year... He's going to the highest bidder this summer like he's always done.

No one knows what's in his mind, he's one of the most "different" athletes that I've ever seen (and most interesting). But saying he'd accept a reduced role versus actually accepting it, is a little different in my opinion.

There is no possibly next year... He's going to the highest bidder this summer like he's always done.

No one knows what's in his mind, he's one of the most "different" athletes that I've ever seen (and most interesting). But saying he'd accept a reduced role versus actually accepting it, is a little different in my opinion.
- rival22

Both your points are opinions and not really arguments.

In my opinion Jagr likes the idea of finishing his career with the Pens which is why he has said he would accept a reduced roll, and why he will sign for less to help us defend this years cup win next year.

He also traded him too. Just saying. I think they had to sign him after last years playoffs.

HCMJ has no choice but to play him 18mins. Somebody's got to play 3c.
- madmike71

Valid point on the trade. Though that is a blockbuster trade bringing back a significantly better player. Sutter's actually improved compared to last season but without the poor winger's excuse he had last year, everyone is identifying him as a problem now.

I do think there are/were other options to try at 3C like Spaling and Arcobello. Also, I know some were even advocating for Goc over Sutter. I don't think Goc is suitable with his offensive limitations being even worse than Sutter but at least he won't get killed in possession. More over, Sutter was requested back in the Kesler talks last year so I'm confident other front offices also view him more favorably than he deserves.

He must be the guy I saw at the Flames game with the jersey. What are the chances he has 2 fans?
- canadianpenfan

How does he not serve a purpose this year and possibly next?
He has stated he wouldnt have a problem with a reduced role which means he is okay playing 3rd line. Who is a better 3rd line option right now?
- stackthepads

Oh I believe him.

I don't think he is honestly evaluating Sutter. He drafted him and resigned him. I think there is more emotional attachment to Sutter's value than maybe any other player on the roster. And that is reinforced when Johnston is playing him 18+ minutes/game.
- jfkst1

CFA.

Both your points are opinions and not really arguments.

In my opinion Jagr likes the idea of finishing his career with the Pens which is why he has said he would accept a reduced roll, and why he will sign for less to help us defend this years cup win next year.
- stackthepads

You're killing me here.

And yet everything your wrote completely contradicts what he has done over the years.

You're killing me here.

And yet everything your wrote completely contradicts what he has done over the years.
- acdc1206

There is no problem with a player getting what he is worth. Coming back from the KHL no one knew what kind of impact Jagr would have, Philly showed that they had more confidence in him than we did. They earned his services and everyone on here thinks he slighted us.
He has proven now that he is still a top 6 player and top six players get top six money. He actually makes on the low end of top six money.

If you dont like Jagr because of his past issues with the Pens thats fine, be straight forward about it. But its not greedy to expect to get paid what you are worth.

There is going to be a time when Jagr will see the finish line for his career and I think at that time he will take a pay cut to play for the cup one more time. I hope it is with us.

Both your points are opinions and not really arguments.

In my opinion Jagr likes the idea of finishing his career with the Pens which is why he has said he would accept a reduced roll, and why he will sign for less to help us defend this years cup win next year.
- stackthepads

In 2012 Jagr also said that he wanted to do right by Mario, and that "Pittsburgh was in his heart".

I hold nothing against him for going for the Flyers' paycheck, but you can't believe what the guy says.

In 2012 Jagr also said that he wanted to do right by Mario, and that "Pittsburgh was in his heart".

I hold nothing against him for going for the Flyers' paycheck, but you can't believe what the guy says.
- rival22

I blame shero. He gave tk jagrs money

In 2012 Jagr also said that he wanted to do right by Mario, and that "Pittsburgh was in his heart".

I hold nothing against him for going for the Flyers' paycheck, but you can't believe what the guy says.
- rival22

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5YUbo_lVAI

This video is crap, but if it doesnt give you a few butterflies than you and I aren't on the same page.

I don't think he is honestly evaluating Sutter. He drafted him and resigned him. I think there is more emotional attachment to Sutter's value than maybe any other player on the roster. And that is reinforced when Johnston is playing him 18+ minutes/game.
- jfkst1

Do you think that HCMJ is pacing the Sid & Geno cannons by giving Sutter more time through the season, but that will reduce in the playoffs when Sid & Geno step up their TOI?

Both your points are opinions and not really arguments.

In my opinion Jagr likes the idea of finishing his career with the Pens which is why he has said he would accept a reduced roll, and why he will sign for less to help us defend this years cup win next year.
- stackthepads

Maybe he had said that because what he said previously may have impacted his trade value. Which contender would have room for him on top line with PP minutes? They all like the Pens would probably already have that sorted. So now after the interest was probably reduced uncle Lou has asked JJ to lower his expectations to become more tradable (they want a good return for him - doubt they were getting that after his initial statement).

Who is better Stewart from Sabres or JJ? What is the price for Stewart? If you cannot get Stewart for a 2nd no way JJ goes for that.

Do you think that HCMJ is pacing the Sid & Geno cannons by giving Sutter more time through the season, but that will reduce in the playoffs when Sid & Geno step up their TOI?
- Aussiepenguin

I have no idea... Maybe a Portland Winterhawks fan would know this answer better.

Did his player selection change in the playoffs or Memorial Cup? Does he value grit over skill when the "real" games count? Did he pace some of his star players during the season?

Maybe those odd player choices at the end of games or whatever is him trying to see how guys react in different situations? Or maybe he is just a "grit" and "sandpaper" old school coach at heart.

Also in junior, I would think that sometimes you put guys in positions over their head to see how they react or if they step up. Maybe he brought some of that to the NHL?

This post-season will give us a chance to learn what he is really about.

Maybe he had said that because what he said previously may have impacted his trade value. Which contender would have room for him on top line with PP minutes? They all like the Pens would probably already have that sorted. So now after the interest was probably reduced uncle Lou has asked JJ to lower his expectations to become more tradable (they want a good return for him - doubt they were getting that after his initial statement).

Who is better Stewart from Sabres or JJ? What is the price for Stewart? If you cannot get Stewart for a 2nd no way JJ goes for that.
- Aussiepenguin

Thats is a great argument that should be taken into consideration. But we werent really discussing Jagrs trade value as much as we were discussing his on ice value, and the storybook ending value of Jagr finishing his career in Pittsburgh.

Maybe he had said that because what he said previously may have impacted his trade value. Which contender would have room for him on top line with PP minutes? They all like the Pens would probably already have that sorted. So now after the interest was probably reduced uncle Lou has asked JJ to lower his expectations to become more tradable (they want a good return for him - doubt they were getting that after his initial statement).

Who is better Stewart from Sabres or JJ? What is the price for Stewart? If you cannot get Stewart for a 2nd no way JJ goes for that.
- Aussiepenguin

Who's better depends on your team needs. Stewart can be a physical forward with a scoring touch. But he needs good line mates to create chances for him where Jagr isn't physical but can carry the play on his own....not like he use to but still impressive

I have no idea... Maybe a Portland Winterhawks fan would know this answer better.

Did his player selection change in the playoffs or Memorial Cup? Does he value grit over skill when the "real" games count? Did he pace some of his star players during the season?

Maybe those odd player choices at the end of games or whatever is him trying to see how guys react in different situations? Or maybe he is just a "grit" and "sandpaper" old school coach at heart.

Also in junior, I would think that sometimes you put guys in positions over their head to see how they react or if they step up. Maybe he brought some of that to the NHL?

This post-season will give us a chance to learn what he is really about.
- rival22

He did say when he first stepped into the position that he would try & ease the load on the star players - Sid & Geno, through the year so they are fresh or fresher than they have been, for the playoffs & have every opportunity to be a dominate force. You can see that going from 23 minutes in 60 down to under 20 through a lot of games he is doing that. So to that someone else has to play those minutes - step in Sutter. Now seeing Sutter struggle that may be a direct result of playing so many minutes (confirming that he is not a C that can handle a lot of minutes).

I don't think he is honestly evaluating Sutter. He drafted him and resigned him. I think there is more emotional attachment to Sutter's value than maybe any other player on the roster. And that is reinforced when Johnston is playing him 18+ minutes/game.
- jfkst1

GMJR has to know what's up with Sutter by now. GMJR brought in Karmonos who's supposed to be a analytics guru. The problem is the rest of the league knows to

Thats is a great argument that should be taken into consideration. But we werent really discussing Jagrs trade value as much as we were discussing his on ice value, and the storybook ending value of Jagr finishing his career in Pittsburgh.
- stackthepads

Sorry I read that you were discussing for & against him playing here with his trade being a consideration.

In saying that I would be surprised that he would want a 3rd line roll. Then if that is the case it's a lot for a 3rd line player both in salary & trade cost.

With Comeover back, it's lit a fire under that 2nd line, I just hope that it continues. Sid with his line, there is probably only 1 place JJ could play & that's 3rd line. What are the comparisons between what Jagr plays with now with the Devils & the possible line mates he would have on our 3rd line? Not sure he is going to be ok with that?

Sorry I read that you were discussing for & against him playing here with his trade being a consideration.

In saying that I would be surprised that he would want a 3rd line roll. Then if that is the case it's a lot for a 3rd line player both in salary & trade cost.

With Comeover back, it's lit a fire under that 2nd line, I just hope that it continues. Sid with his line, there is probably only 1 place JJ could play & that's 3rd line. What are the comparisons between what Jagr plays with now with the Devils & the possible line mates he would have on our 3rd line? Not sure he is going to be ok with that?
- Aussiepenguin

Jagr is playing with Gomez who scored 2 goals last year (46 games) and a couple years ago went a whole calendar year without scoring a goal. So believe it or not Sutter is a upgrade