Jaromir Jagr is undoubtedly one of the greatest players of all time. Jagr has the second-most points in NHL history, and he’s always been one of a kind.
Jagr was once the youngest player in the NHL, and at age 45, he was the oldest player in the league. Jagr is also the oldest player in league history to record a hat-trick, and with how many years he played in the league, it’s fair to say he played against some of the sport’s all-time greats.
For The Hockey News, Jagr once disclosed his choice for the defenseman he hated playing against more than any other in the NHL.
And his answer surprised everyone.
Eric Cairns was an extremely defensive-oriented D-man who played 457 games in the NHL during an 11-season career.
“I never had a problem with anybody who is a lot stronger than me on the boards,” Jagr said of Cairns. “He’s one of those guys who’s tough and who’s very strong. His goal is not to score any goals. He just wants to concentrate on you. Those are the toughest guys to play against.
“He plays simple. He doesn’t play offense. Probably people would say, ‘Why don’t you pick people like (Ray) Bourque and those guys?’ I’m not saying you like to play against them, but there’s also some chance during the game you might take advantage of their offensive plays.”
Cairns only recorded 42 points throughout his NHL career, in which he played for the New York Islanders and the Pittsburgh Penguins, and said he was shocked to be picked by Jagr.
”I’m pretty surprised to say the least. It’s a great honor to have a guy like that say something nice about me.”
