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Jagr will miss first game of the year to illness -- not a concussion

New Jersey Devils v Detroit Red Wings

New Jersey Devils v Detroit Red Wings

NHLI via Getty Images

Jaromir Jagr will miss his first game of the season tonight when the Devils take on Toronto -- but not for the reason you might think.

“Jagr was sick before the game the other night [Tuesday’s loss to Pittsburgh],” Devils GM Lou Lamoriello explained, per the Star-Ledger. “He does not have a concussion. He just can’t go. Completely dehydrated.”

There was concern about a possible concussion for Jagr after he took a huge hit from Pens defenseman Robert Bortuzzo the other night. Bortuzzo was suspended two games for a check the NHL deemed both “late” and “violent,” one that forced Jagr from the contest entirely.

According to the Record, Lamoriello told the NHL’s Department of Player Safety that Jagr didn’t suffer a concussion on the play.

The 42-year-old is New Jersey’s leading scorer this season, with 15 points through 25 games, so his absence tonight will hurt, especially considering the Devils are in a free fall -- the team is just 3-9-2 in its last 14 games and has managed to only score five goals in its last four outings.