That is how the New York Rangers assistant GM Don Maloney described the Jaromir Jagr situation.
"He's a premier player and his price in the marketplace, to us, is very affordable."
Glen Sather echoed those sentiments recently as well:
"Jaromir is under contract and we fully expect him to be in New York playing for the Rangers this year."
Indications are that the Rangers have no intention of buying out Jagr's contract or trading him.
It also seems that Jagr believes he has to come here, but there are some caveats to that. The Rodent reports that Jagr held an informal press conference with the Czech media on the issue. Some of the interesting comments:
"I understand that my only chance to play with Omsk is if my lawyers determine that (under international law) my contract with New York is invalid because it is now different than when I originally signed."
"I feel sure that I will never sign another NHL contract."
Jagr also indicated that he enjoyed playing in New York, but said that if he played in Russia he could return home during breaks and the quality of life is better if he played in Europe, even if he made less money.
So this is the guy we want the New York Rangers built around?? He has three years left on his deal, and seems certain to leave the NHL after his contract expires. He still seems to want out of his deal, if his lawyers can find a way. He has already stated that his heart is in Omsk, not New York.
On the other hand, he is probably the best talent in the game, and we have him at a discounted price. But, if you believe what the Rangers' front office is saying, this is not going to be a 'now' team anyway. They still intend on building from the bottom up. Does it make sense to keep him around for a few years when you know he doesn't want to be here?
I hope Glen Sather is thinking about this very carefully.
As Bird posted yesterday, the Rangers signed Al Montoya to a deal, effectively ending the goaltender's NCAA career. The Rangers are expected to sign Dartmouth forward Hugh Jessiman to a contract in the next day or two.
Swedish goalie Henrik Lundqvist is expected to compete for the Rangers starting job along with Montoya and the unsigned Kevin Weekes.
There is no word yet on whether or not the Rangers will buy out Bobby Holik and/or Darius Kaspairitis. The clock is ticking, and a decision will have to be made by tomorrow.
The 2005-2006 NHL schedule was released yesterday. All 30 teams will be in action on October 5th. The Rangers open up on the road against the Flyers.
Spector has a rundown on some of the player movement rumors around the NHL.
HDH
Posted by Jim at July 28, 2005 07:57 AMeMail this entry!
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