As the Florida Panthers‘ season came to a disappointing end this April, many questioned whether the first line of Huberdeau, Barkov and Jagr would remain intact for the 2017-18 season. While Huberdeau and Barkov were safe to return back to the first line, Jagr remained questionable. Would the Panthers resign the 45 year-old to bring him back for another year, or would they move on and search for a new replacement?
Although fans wanted Jagr to return to South Florida, the front office eventually made the decision to go in a new direction and find another player to slot into the first line.