Jaromir Jagr Returning To Florida Panthers On One-Year Deal

NHL right winger Jaromir Jagr has agreed to a one-year contract that would allow him to return to the Florida Panthers, the team announced Thursday.

Jaromir Jagr Returning to Florida Panthers On One-Year Deal

Although the Panthers have not announced details of the deal, a source told ESPN’s Pierre LeBrun that Jagr will earn a base salary of $4 million plus another $1.5 million in potential bonuses.

“Jaromir is a Hall of Fame player and had an excellent season playing alongside Aleksander Barkov and Jonathan Huberdeau,” said general manager Dale Tallon. “His track record speaks for itself, ranking third all time in points and goals. He has been a great fit with our organization and we are excited to have him back for next season.”

Jagr, 44, had a team-best 66 points this season, with 27 goals and 39 assists in 79 games. The Panthers won the Atlantic Division title and set franchise records for both points and wins, before being eliminated by the New York Islanders in the first round of the playoffs.

“Jaromir has had a tremendous influence on our younger players and has been a key offensive contributor on our team,” Panthers coach Gerard Gallant said in a statement. “We are happy to have him back as we look to build off this year’s playoff appearance.”

The Czech player is also a finalist for this year’s Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, which is awarded to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to the sport of hockey.

Jagr has spent 22 seasons in the NHL, and enters next season with 1,868 points, which puts him 19 away from tying Mark Messier for second most in NHL history.

PHOTO: SUNRISE, FL – NOVEMBER 16: Jaromir Jagr #68 of the Florida Panthers passes the puck during a game at BB&T Center on November 16, 2015 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Article by Pablo Mena