Bill Meltzer: Star Gazing: Thoughts on Jagr signing

Good read Bill.

I think it's a good signing by the Stars.

Some might think the price tag is a bit high, but as you pointed out, Dallas needed the cap hit.

They aren't even meeting the cap floor.

They still have a few RFA to resign though, notably a certain Jamie Benn.

I have to say that before Jagr came to Philly. I was never a fan of Jagr. In fact, he was one of the few players, I didn't like. In his time in Philly, I came to respect him a lot more as a player. While I still can't say I'm a fan, I do appreciate how he played and conducted himself in Philly. Good luck to Jagr in Dallas.

Whitney, Benn, Eriksson, Jagr, Ryder, Roy, Morrow ........

Good points Bill.

I'll repost my thoughts from the other thread:

The Stars have to spend to get to the floor. If these players don't work out they aren't here long term. If they do ok and we don't make the playoffs you flip them for a pick.

Everyone is so in love with Ribs and Ott but this team has missed the playoffs for 4 straight years. Most of the Stars have had their chances to make something happen and they've failed.

Yeah I like Ribs and Ott, I liked Dave Tippett, I liked Souray but you know what I liked going to playoff games in Dallas as well. If you don't produce you get moved.

Bill, that is a very good analysis. The best of the Star's prospects are one to two years away from being NHL ready and Joe N. is trying to bridge that gap with short term contracts that will allow the Stars to be competitive and maintain fan interest. The cap space is not a problem so why care if they overpay some players for a year or two as long as they keep sufficient room for their core players, and for the first time in years they don't have to worry about the actual salary hit thanks to the new owner.

I also believe that Morrow is no longer a top six player on an extended basis with his injury history so the Stars needed another top six forward. The Stars are finally able to have the top two lines manned by players who have top six ability. They could now have Morrow anchor a 3rd line with young players like Eakin and Vincouer and have Fiddler lead a hard to play against 4th line. And they have a player now like Morrow who could move into the top six as an injury replacement on a short term basis.

I have to say that before Jagr came to Philly. I was never a fan of Jagr. In fact, he was one of the few players, I didn't like. In his time in Philly, I came to respect him a lot more as a player. While I still can't say I'm a fan, I do appreciate how he played and conducted himself in Philly. Good luck to Jagr in Dallas.
- MJL

Yes, I was less than excited when he was signed last year. I guess I based it on hios reputation. I was quite surprised to hear all of the leadership traits and what a positive influence he was in the Flyers locker room. I hope he has a great season in Dallas. However, I am a little relieved that he is not coming back to Philly for $4 million or more as they will be battling the salary cap yet again this year.

What would a lineup look like?

Ericsson-Benn-Jagr
Whitney-Roy-Ryder
Morrow-Eakin/Vincour-Nystrom

Who is on the fourth line with Fiddler? And who else will play defense other than Daley,Goligoski, Fistric, and Robidas?

Loui-benn-Jagr
Whitney-Roy-Ryder
Fraser-eakin-smith
Morrow-fiddler-vincour

JayBo(hopefully)-goose
Larsen-Daley
Fistric-dillon
Jordie/rome

Loui-benn-Jagr
Whitney-Roy-Ryder
Fraser-eakin-smith
Morrow-fiddler-vincour

JayBo(hopefully)-goose
Larsen-Daley
Fistric-dillon
Jordie/rome
- NoobasaurusRex

Eriksson-Benn-Jagr
Whitney-Roy-Ryder
Morrow-Eakin-Fraser/Vincour
Garbut-Fiddler-Nystrom

Gogilosky-Daley
Larsen-Fistric
Robidas-Rome
Jordie Benn

I think Reilly Smith should start the year along with Chiasson playing top line on the AHL team though either could make the Stars with a great training camp. I also think that Klemeth and Olesiak could see playing time with the Stars at some point during the year although adding a top 2 defensemen would be great.

I have to say my Philly jagr expierence was both surprising and fantastic. A class act like that deserves a standing ovation. I never thought I'd say this. But jags will always be welcome in Philly.... Unless he signs in Pittsburgh again. ;-). Take care amigo.

Eriksson-Benn-Jagr
Whitney-Roy-Ryder
Morrow-Eakin-Fraser/Vincour
Garbut-Fiddler-Nystrom

Gogilosky-Daley
Larsen-Fistric
Robidas-Rome
Jordie Benn

I think Reilly Smith should start the year along with Chiasson playing top line on the AHL team though either could make the Stars with a great training camp. I also think that Klemeth and Olesiak could see playing time with the Stars at some point during the year although adding a top 2 defensemen would be great.
- jerryb

Morrow is too slow for 3rd line checking role, and he's not good enough for top 6 minutes. Either play him on the 4th line or trade him and make room for a kid. Forgot about garbut, he'd be a nice 4th line fit. I also forgot about Colton sceviour, I think he's a bottom 6er next year.

Bill Meltzer: Star Gazing: Thoughts on Jagr signing
- bmeltzer

$$$

Texas has no state income tax.

Whitney, Benn, Eriksson, Jagr, Ryder, Roy, Morrow ........


- TylerSeguin19

I kinda have to agree with you there

I kinda have to agree with you there

- mascqp

I kinda have to agree with you there

- mascqp

I kinda have to agree with you there

- mascqp

http://media.tumblr.com/t...blr_lknpu563X81qa8z8m.jpg

- homiedclown

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why Jagr would sign with the stars is kinda bizzare.. i thought he wanted to win a cup? think he signed for the money.. they got erikson and benn and hmmm(scratching head) oh and lethonen... atta sellout Jagr

Like MJL I too had my prejudices concerning Jagr signing with Philadelphia last season but he really showed me something this past year. It's a shame he couldn't stay with the Flyers but money aside, his role/ice time in Philly just wouldn't be guaranteed with the 1st unit even strength as well as the PP.

Anyone who is a serious hockey fan - regardless of their team loyalty - could see that Claude Giroux was going to become something special in this league. That being said, I honestly believe Jagr's professionalism, work ethic and locker room dynamic helped take Giroux to the next step in his career. He also helped the rookies and even some of the established veterans just by witnessing his work ethic and dedication. Through it all, though, I believe the most profound and lasting effect Jagr has left with the team resonates with his fellow countryman, Jakob Voracek. Not only is Voracek from the same town in the Czech Republic as Jaromir but Jagr was Voracek's childhood hero. With Voracek beginning his career out in the small market of Columbus Ohio and being a high draft pick, blessed with all of the coveted attributes of any hockey player - speed, size, skill - he had never been able to really come into his own. With the Flyers this past season you could actually see him mature and develop as the season progressed in Philadelphia. Thank you Jaromir for all you contributed last season with the Flyers.

I hope the best for him in Dallas.