The New York Rangers are struggling and the problem starts with their captain. The Rangers were preseason favorites to compete and win the Stanley Cup. However, if the playoffs were to start today, the Rangers would be the 8th seed, just barely making the playoffs. The Rangers are the lowest scoring team in the NHL, and Jagr (being a five time scoring champ), as well as captain deserves a majority of the blame.
So far this season, Jagr has only managed 39 points, and only 12 of those being goals. Jagr can not seem to find chemistry with Scott Gomez or Chris Drury. These two guys are arguably the best at their position, and still Jagr continues to struggle.
In order to make a postseason push, the Rangers should trade Jagr. First, ever since Jagr was traded to New York, his salary has partially been paid by the Washington Capitals. This was apart of the trade. Jagr's contract ends this season, meaning if the Rangers are going to resign him, they will have to pay his large salary by themselves. Not to mention, when Jagr becomes a free agent, he can sign anywhere, meaning the Rangers could lose him and not get a thing in return. Another reason to trade Jagr is that teams are looking for an asses to their team for the postseason. Western teams, such as the Red Wings, Sharks, or even the Avalanche are looking fo a player of Jagr's caliber, while the Rangers can acquire those teams young guns, or other prospects. A third reason to trade Jagr, is that he is turning 36. The Rangers have a lot of youth in their farm system and on their actual professional roster. With players like Marc Staal, Brandon Dubinksy, and Nigel Dawes already on the pro roster, where do other young players fit in.
Trading Jagr would be a difficult decision for Rangers Management, but it is the right move. A major trade could be what a team needs to jump start them.
Article Used for reference:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/columns/story?columnist=burnside_scott&id=3196519
