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It was the second time in three years that Jagr had been dealt at the deadline.

“I went to the Cup final with him,” Thornton said of the 2012-13 season. “It was a little different in Boston. He was more of a complementary piece there. He was good on the power play and helped us. But that team, we were adding little pieces. Here, he’ll have a bigger role. And I’m sure he relishes that.”

Not only is Jagr averaging more than 17 minutes of ice time in the three games he has played with the Panthers, but he is also on a line with players who were recently top-three picks in the draft. It is a great opportunity for Jagr, as well as Barkov and Huberdeau.

“He’s been huge so far,” Panthers head coach Gerard Gallant said of Jagr, who has one goal and one assist in three games. “The first two games, both of those young kids that played with him — Barkov and Huberdeau — played outstanding games. So it’s worked out real well. It’s been a huge upgrade for our hockey club.”

“If he can take us under his wings, that’s what we need as young players,” Huberdeau said. “I think to have a veteran like that, playing with him we’re going to learn from him.”

Jagr told Gallant that “this revives” him. There has already been talk of re-signing in Florida after the season.

For now, Jagr gets to be a kid again. Or at least act like one.

“They’re great players,” Jagr told reporters of his linemates. “I didn’t know anything about them. They’re young. They’re good … It’s funny, they’ve got the confidence. That’s what I love about them. I told [Barkov], ‘I’m going to scream. Give me the puck.’ He said, ‘You don’t have to scream. I see you.’

“Nineteen years old! I love it.”