NHL: Florida Panthers release future Hall of Famer Jaromir Jagr

The Florida Panthers announced Saturday night that they are parting ways with long-time veteran Jaromir Jagr.

The future Hall of Famer turned 45 in February and is no longer the scoring threat he was in his prime. Jagr ranks third in NHL history with 765 goals and second with 1,914 points.

"I can't say enough. It was an honor to be touched by a legend," said Panthers general manager Dale Tallon, who made the decision to move on from Jagr. "I was torn. It was a tough couple weeks, or months -- whatever it was. Can't thank him enough. What he did for our kids, for myself and everyone in this organization, you can't measure it."

Jagr, a 10-time All-Star, scored 16 goals and 46 points this past season. He played two-plus seasons with the Panthers.

Jagr recently said on Twitter that he hopes to play next season.

But Tallon felt Jagr remaining with Florida wasn't a good option.

"I think it's time now for our guys to take over," Tallon said. "Our core young guys need to take over this team."

Jagr has five 100-point seasons in his career -- four coming during his 11-season tenure with the Pittsburgh Penguins.