The invitation for Jagr to join the Everblades will remain open in the event he does not sign a contract with an NHL team for this season. "We believe this deal makes sense for both sides," Everblades public relations manager and broadcaster Alex Reed said in a statement. "Jaromir will have the opportunity to continue to play the game that he loves, while remaining in the tropical paradise of South Florida. From the team side, well that's obvious. Just imagine watching No. 68 skate on Germain Arena ice, with his long hair flowing behind him. The whole thing just gives us chills." The Everblades say they wouldn't even need him to play every game. "We are definitely open to a 'Weekend Warrior' contract for Jaromir," Reed said. "He could make the easy 90-minute drive across Alligator Alley and just play in our Friday and Saturday home games. Heck, we will even send an intern to personally pick him up and drive him over if necessary." The Everblades also released 16 of the top reasons why Jagr should sign with the team. Among the reasons given are his No. 68 is available, that the Everblades have made the Kelly Cup playoffs 18 of their 19 seasons and that he might see an alligator in the pond next to the arena. Oh, and a sleeper bus stocked with muffins and Diet Coke, though he gave up his five can per day habit in 2015. "The NHL's loss could become our gain," Reed said. "He is a high-end player who wants to win and that kind of mindset fits in well with our winning tradition." The Everblades aren't the only team actively courting the NHL's second all-time leading scorer. Adam Keefe, head coach of the Belfast Giants of the Elite Ice Hockey League in the United Kingdom, has been using social media to recruit Jagr to play in Northern Ireland.
Jagr, who had 16 goals and 30 assists in 82 games with the Florida Panthers last season, became an unrestricted free agent July 1. In 1,711 NHL games with the Panthers, New Jersey Devils, Boston Bruins, Dallas Stars, Philadelphia Flyers, New York Rangers, Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins. He has 765 goals and 1,149 assists. And 26 years into his professional career, no shortage of suitors.
