Burke says Flames ‘would do the Jagr experiment again’

Brian Burke was in studio with Tim and Sid to talk about his Calgary Flames on the cusp of a playoff spot and what makes the Vegas Golden Knights so successful in their inaugural season.

News surfaced over the weekend that Jaromir Jagr‘s time with the Calgary Flames is likely coming to an end as the two sides work on an exit.

Flames president of hockey operations Brian Burke addressed the topic during a Tim & Sid interview on Wednesday and spoke highly of the NHL legend and the impact he’s had on the team during the first half of the season.

“We would do the Jagr experiment again tomorrow if we had the opportunity,” Burke said. “He’s been a quality guy, he’s played well when he’s been able to. He’s been hurt a lot, missing training camp, starting late, it’s really been a perfect storm against him and when you’re [45] years old, that’s a lot.”

The Flames signed Jagr to a one-year, $1-million contract in October after months of speculation regarding his NHL future.

“He’s been battling some injuries, fighting through some injuries, we’re working through his situation day-by-day,” Burke continued. “We have nothing to announce at this point, and when we do, we will.”

Jagr has played just 22 games this season, missing time with various ailments (he’s currently dealing with a nagging lower-body injury) and hasn’t suited up since Dec. 31. Though his stats (one goal, six assists) are down, Burke says that Jagr’s impact on teammates has been immeasurable.

“He’s a great person. He’s really good in the room, we really enjoy him. He’s great,” said Burke, indicating that numerous Flames forwards, including rookie linemate Mark Jankowski, have cherished the opportunity to work alongside Jagr

“When a Hall of Famer like Jaromir Jagr tells you, you’re grateful for that advice. You’re like, ‘OK, I’m going to cherish that, I’m going to remember that, I’m going to remember that until I die,” said Burke. “[Jankowski] is going to tell his grandkids about those one-on-ones.”

When asked if Jagr might join a different NHL team, Burke said, “I don’t know, but I would say the feeling is probably not.”

“He’s got rings, he’s got trophies, he’s got titles, he’s got records. This has been a wonderful career, if it is indeed at the end.”

[relatedlinks]

When submitting content, please abide by our submission guidelines, and avoid posting profanity, personal attacks or harassment. Should you violate our submissions guidelines, we reserve the right to remove your comments and block your account. Sportsnet reserves the right to close a story’s comment section at any time.