Jagr signs one-year contract with Panthers

The Florida Panthers signed forward Jaromir Jagr to a one-year contract on Sunday.

Jagr, who was acquired by the Panthers in a Feb. 26 trade with the New Jersey Devils, had six goals and 18 points in 20 games with the Panthers. Jagr had five goals and 14 points in the final 13 games of the regular season on the top line with Jonathan Huberdeau and Aleksander Barkov.

In 21 NHL seasons, Jagr is fourth in NHL history in points with 1,802, fifth in goals with 722 and sixth in assists with 1,080. Jagr, 43, won the Hart Trophy as League MVP in 1999 and is a five-time Art Ross Trophy winner as scoring champion.

"A lot of people thought I was done but those young guys [in Florida] give me extra energy, extra life and I'm glad I can continue to play," Jagr told the Panthers website.

He would have been an unrestricted free agent July 1.

"We are extremely pleased to have re-signed Jaromir," Panthers general manager Dale Tallon said. "He found instant chemistry playing alongside Aleksander Barkov and Jonathan Huberdeau. Jaromir's intense work ethic and positive attitude has had a tremendous impact on our locker room."

Jagr had 17 goals and 47 points in 77 games this season. He had 11 goals and 29 points in 57 games with the Devils.

Jagr's assistance down the stretch helped the Panthers reach 90 points for a season (38-29-15, 91 points) for the fifth time in franchise history. The Panthers finished with 25 more points than last season.

"Jaromir is a true professional in every sense of the word and a world-class player," Panthers owner Vincent Viola said in a statement. "This signing further shows our commitment to building a competitive and winning team in South Florida. In just 20 games, he has become a fan favorite and we look forward to his continued contributions to our organization."

Jagr had a goal and one assist in a 3-2 victory against the Devils on Saturday.

"I feel like the team wants me here," Jagr said after the game. "I want to be here. I love this team."