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Jagr has been a ‘real blessing’ for Panthers since he was acquired one year ago

Detroit Red Wings v Florida Panthers

SUNRISE, FL - FEBRUARY 4: Jaromir Jagr #68 of the Florida Panthers celebrates after scoring a third period goal against the Detroit Red Wings at the BB&T Center on February 4, 2016 in Sunrise, Florida. The Panthers defeated the Red Wings 6-3. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images)

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With the Florida Panthers leading the Atlantic Division, it’s 44-year-old Jaromir Jagr who leads that team in scoring.

It was exactly one year ago that the Panthers acquired Jagr from the New Jersey Devils. It’s a deal that has certainly worked out for Florida.

Playing into his mid-40s is impressive. He continues to overtake some of the game’s best with career milestone after career milestone, making him one of the neatest stories in hockey.

And he continues to produce on a young team that appears, at this point in the season, to be well on its way to the playoffs. He’s hit the 20-goal mark -- again -- with 44 points in 57 games.

“It’s really had a great influence on our players and our organization and the marketplace,” Panthers GM Dale Tallon told the Miami Herald.

“It’s been a real blessing for us. You never know what you’re gonna get at that particular situation, but the last 20 games [of last season] set a tempo for this year. He’s very responsible for the development and maturation of our young players. Plus he’s contributed offensively as well. So it’s been all good.”
While the Jagr deal a year ago has had a positive impact for Florida, the Panthers appear to be making a bid right now to add to their group of forwards for the post-season push. According to TSN’s Bob McKenzie, the Panthers are making a push for Teddy Purcell ahead of Monday’s deadline.