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Bruins GM Chiarelli on Jagr: ‘His career speaks for itself’

JagrJaromir

Boston Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli met with the media Tuesday following his acquisition of Jaromir Jagr from Dallas.

Not surprisingly, Chiarelli was full of praise.

“His career speaks for itself,” Chiarelli told reporters. “His game is still a strong power game. You watch him play and still see a lot of what you used to see in him.”

The move to get Jagr -- sending a conditional second-round pick and prospects Lane MacDermind and Cody Payne to Dallas -- came together late Monday night, the Bruins GM explained.

Discussions with Dallas’ Joe Nieuwendyk were followed by “good conversations” with Jagr’s countrymen, Zdeno Chara and David Krejci, at which point Chiarelli felt comfortable in pulling the trigger.

“I know he’s 41 now,” Chiarelli explained, “but he was one of their best players in Dallas.”

Jagr had 14G-12A-26PTS in 34 games for the Stars this season and brings a wealth of experience to Boston. He’s appeared in 180 career playoff games and won a pair of Stanley Cups.

Chiarelli likened getting that experience to the acquisition of Mark Recchi, who joined the B’s late in his career but played an integral role on the 2011 Stanley Cup-winning team.

Recchi was praised for his leadership and ability to build chemistry in the room, something Chiarelli hopes Jagr can do.

“You don’t have to be the guy,” he explained. “But you’re an important piece and can band together with teammates.”