NHL Free Agency: 5 Likely Replacements for Jaromir Jagr on Flyers

At first it seemed that 40-year-old Jaromir Jagr would remain with the Philadelphia Flyers, but last week the right-winger signed a one-year $4.5 million deal with the Dallas Stars.

Jagr told USA Today he wanted to re-sign with the Flyers, but that "they wanted to go in a different direction."

"They were waiting for (free agents Zach) Parise and (Ryan) Suter," Jagr said. "I would have had to wait until probably right now to try to negotiate a new deal with the Flyers and I just didn't want to wait."

With Jagr gone, the Flyers must find a replacement. Last season, the Czech winger scored 19 goals and and 54 points in 73 games. A new player will be needed who can fill the shoes of Jagr. Here's a few players that may do just that.

Shane Doan

Shane Doan is one of the best free agents left on the market.

Currently, there are supposedly 11 teams interested in acquiring Doan, according to Paola Bolvin of The Arizona Republic. He's quick, aggressive and shows tremendous leadership qualities.

Last season, Doan served as the captain of the Phoenix Coyotes, scoring 22 goals and adding 28 assists.

Doan may be 35 years old, but he can still move like a rookie. He has phenomenal skill and shows his presence on the ice.

With Doan, the Flyers would have another winger that can produce like Jagr. It's a strong possibility that Doan stays with the Coyotes, but if the Flyers have a chance at him, they need to take it.

Rick Nash

According to Luke Fox of SportsNet, Rick Nash is now showing interest in transferring to one of six teams, the Philadelphia Flyers included. 

Nash still has six seasons remaining on his contract, and many teams will be interested in obtaining the fierce right-winger. The Flyers would find themselves in a good situation if they can somehow manage to acquire the forward from the Blue Jackets.

Nash is still young, and the 28-year-old from Ontario is ready to continue his impressive goalscoring streak. Nash is one of four players who have scored at least 30 goals in the last five seasons.

There is no doubt he is a sharp-shooter and will contribute to any team lucky enough to get him. 

Nash is an efficient shooter, an energetic player and the Olympic gold-medalist has a long, successful career ahead of him.

Mike Knuble

Mike Knuble's last year wasn't very successful. For the first time since the 2001 season he didn't score at least 20 goals and he was pushed down to the fourth line.

However, at 41 years old, Knuble is still an aggressive player, and it's a possibility last season was a fluke.

Knuble has had experience in Philadelphia when he played for them between 2005-2008, and the Flyers may just want to add him to their roster.

The Ontario native has over 250 career goals and assists in more than 1,000 career games. Like Jagr, Knuble can serve as a veteran player. He might not score as many goals as the Czech, but he can try and support a team with devout dedication and experience.

Jakub Voracek

When searching for a replacement for Jagr, the Flyers must be smart about their decision.

After all, we're talking about a guy who left the NHL for three years just to come back and put up 54 points. It's nothing tremendous, especially when you compare it to the four times in his career he's had 100 points in a season, but it's still impressive for a 40-year-old.

One thing is for certain, wherever Jagr goes, tickets will be sold. If the Flyers want to remain a top team, they'll need to keep players who will improve within the system.

Jakub Voracek is one of those guys.

Voracek has been in the NHL since he was 18 years old, and now at the ripe age of 22, he is facing a season where he can potentially get a lot of time to shine. Last season, Voracek had 18 goals with 49 points, only five short of Jagr.

This young player is one to look out for in the upcoming years, and with Jagr gone, the Flyers must make sure they keep him.

Alexander Semin

If the Philadelphia Flyers are looking to replace Jaromir Jagr with one of the best free agents available, Alexander Semin is the best option.

Semin and Jagr both had 54 points last season, but Semin has more of a future in the NHL. Semin is twelve years younger than Jagr and has a long career ahead of him. The Flyers might be a good fit for Semin, who is fast on his skates, aggressive, quick to the puck and a team player. 

Semin has been linked to the Pittsburgh Penguins as of late, and is probably a long-shot for the Flyers, but they should go after him anyway. Semin has been playing for the Washington Capitals since 2003, but it's obvious lately he wants to transfer to another team.

Semin is by far one of the best free agents available, and if the Flyers want to replace a guy like Jaromir Jagr, they'll need to find a replacement, and find one fast.