Report: Flames and Jaromir Jagr ‘working on an exit’

The latest developments in the Calgary Flames’ relationship with Jaromir Jagr are beginning to come to light, and reports are suggesting that the relationship may soon be coming to an end. On Saturday night’s edition of Headlines, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported that the Flames and Jagr are currently “working on an exit,” which would end the winger’s time with the organization.

Chris Johnston downplayed rumours that Jagr may be eying a spot on the Czech Republic national team for the upcoming Olympics, as all indications are that he’s hoping to continue his National Hockey League career elsewhere.

(Note: Jagr owns HC Kladno, the secondary Czech league.)

Jagr’s on a one-year contract with a $1 million base salary and escalating bonuses for games played (up to a total of $700,000) and a $300,000 bonus if the Flames make the postseason. If the contract is terminated, which would be through a process known as unconditional waivers (or “$125 waivers,” after the waiver fee involved), the Flames would be on the hook for the salary and bonuses he’s earned at the time of termination. On Headlines, Johnston mentioned that Jagr would be looking at a $150,000 bonus, under the terms of his current contract, if he hit the 30 game threshold this season. That won’t happen here, but the financial and medical aspects of things are likely among the things being discussed between the Flames and Jagr’s camp.

Jagr joined the Flames on Oct. 2 amidst great fanfare, but his tenure has been marked by injuries, inconsistency, and a living hockey legend bouncing in and out of the lineup. As has been said throughout fiction – notably by C. Montgomery Burns – it appears that the heart is willing but the flesh is weak. At 45 years of age, Jagr’s career in the NHL is definitely winding down. His tenure with the Flames may soon be over.

We’ll have more on this story as it continues to develop.