Larry Brooks reported just a little while ago that Jaromir Jagr's agent spoke to his client, and while the Rangers are believed to be looking for a one-year, bonus driven contract, the captain seems to want a two to three year deal.
The most important aspect of this article though is this:
"His objective is to sign a new contract with the Rangers, and that has always been his priority . . . But his mindset is that it's not where he wants it to be with New York and (if) it doesn't work out with the Rangers, he will be on the market for other NHL teams."
With all the talk about Sundin, Campbell, Redden, Malone, Hossa, and Orpik, you haven't heard much about Jagr and this year's UFA market. That's pretty much because no one thought he would play anywhere except New York or Europe. But NOW, he has stated an intention to test the market for the very first time.
This is troubling for a few reasons. One, his relationship with Sather doesn't seem to be on the firmest footing. Two, this could potentially drive his price up to a point the Rangers won't be able to supplement him with other players if they were to bring him back. Three, it could price the Rangers out entirely. And four, he could end up somewhere else in the NHL.
It could all be just a negotiation strategy, but if Montreal, for example, was willing to give Sundin a big two year contract, wouldn't they be willing to give Jagr a little more? Toronto will be looking to replace Sundin. Maybe Super Mario and the Penguins look to the past if Hossa decides not to re-sign. Boston has some cap room, as does Detroit.
This makes things VERY interesting heading into the last weekend before free agency kicks in. The Rangers could be making major changes in a few days.
Posted by jim at June 27, 2008 03:14 PMeMail this entry!
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