Jaromir Jagr left this afternoon’s game at the Prudential Center after taking just four shifts in the first period. The Flyers announced before the second period that he was out with a “lower body injury,” though logic dictates it’s his groin acting up again.
The Flyers can continue to juggle lines with the current roster should Jagr miss more time, or they can call up one of the Adirondack Phantoms. While no one ever hopes for injuries, this may be an opportunity to give Eric Wellwood another look.
Wellwood, 21, was drafted in the sixth round by the Flyers in the 2009 NHL Draft.
In 73 games played last season, Wellwood tallied 16 goals and 28 points. He ranked 4th on the Phantoms in goals and 7th in points.
He was off to a great start this season, earning 11 points in 13 games, before succumbing to an upper body injury on November 23. He returned on New Year’s Eve, just in time to participate in the Phantoms’ 4-3 overtime win against the Hershey Bears at the AHL Outdoor Classic at Citizens Bank Park.
He now has 9 goals and 19 points in 23 games played. Had he played in all 76 games this season, he would be on pace for 29 goals and 62 points. That production may be a bit unrealistic, but finishing with twenty goals still isn’t out of the question.
In four games played with the Flyers, Wellwood has two assists. It’s worth noting that the assist from this season came during the 9-2 slaughter of the Columbus Blue Jackets- almost everybody had an assist that day.
Paul Holmgren will have some decisions to make in the offseason regarding Jagr and Jake Voracek. It can’t hurt to give Wellwood a chance to showcase his potential for a few games.
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Bring him up, & properly rest Jagr. Groin injuries are hard to heal & tend to linger, if not rested.
That’s why Jagr hasn’t been as effective recently; he needs all the time necessary to COMPLETELY recover. Jagr’s been trying to work through this, but as any athlete knows, these can quite a bit of time, particularly on older body. You could even see how it’s bothering in interviews even without discussing the subject.
Might as well bring up another youngin’. Giroux needs someone with passing skills like Voracek to feed each other the puck on that line. I’d like to see them try that combo now for at least 4-6 games.
If Jagr can’t stay healthy after recovering from this groin, doubt they’ll offer him another contract… though he wants to stay in Philly badly.
Yeah, I’d like to see Jagr sit for 2 or 3 weeks and just relax that groin. Bring him back in here early to mid Feb.