House
07-05-2008, 08:53 PM
Jagr says nyet to NHL, da to Russia
Daily News Wire Services
Jaromir Jagr signed with a Russian team a day after his split with the New York Rangers, leaving the NHL and returning to the club he had joined during the 2004-05 lockout.
The Russian League team Avangard Omsk announced the signing of the 36-year-old Czech winger on its Web site yesterday.
"It was the toughest decision in my life, hockeywise, no question about it. I hate making changes," Jagr told The Canadian Press.
Jagr's agent, Pat Brisson, confirmed the signing in an e-mail. Neither he, Jagr, nor the team, would comment on contract terms. However, the deal is believed to be for 2 years plus an option year, and will pay Jagr about $7 million tax free, the equivalent of about $11 million in the NHL.
"It was a very difficult but personal decision to make in light of the many NHL teams interested in his services," Brisson said. "He is grateful to the NHL and especially the Rangers."
Jagr enjoyed his experience in Omsk during the lockout.
"Don't forget I'm from Europe," Jagr told the CP. "Russia is nothing new for me. It's close to the Czech Republic. It would be different for American or Canadian players. But for me, I enjoy it."
Pittsburgh, Edmonton and the Rangers are believed to have all offered 1-year deals.
In other moves:
* San Jose acquired defensemen Dan Boyle and Brad Lukowich from Tampa Bay for defenseman Matt Carle, top prospect Ty Wishart, and a first-round pick in 2009 and a fourth-round choice in 2010. San Jose then traded defenseman Craig Rivet to Buffalo for two future second-round picks.
* Vancouver acquired right wing Steve Bernier from Buffalo for a 2009 third-round pick and a second-round selection in 2010. *
Daily News Wire Services
Jaromir Jagr signed with a Russian team a day after his split with the New York Rangers, leaving the NHL and returning to the club he had joined during the 2004-05 lockout.
The Russian League team Avangard Omsk announced the signing of the 36-year-old Czech winger on its Web site yesterday.
"It was the toughest decision in my life, hockeywise, no question about it. I hate making changes," Jagr told The Canadian Press.
Jagr's agent, Pat Brisson, confirmed the signing in an e-mail. Neither he, Jagr, nor the team, would comment on contract terms. However, the deal is believed to be for 2 years plus an option year, and will pay Jagr about $7 million tax free, the equivalent of about $11 million in the NHL.
"It was a very difficult but personal decision to make in light of the many NHL teams interested in his services," Brisson said. "He is grateful to the NHL and especially the Rangers."
Jagr enjoyed his experience in Omsk during the lockout.
"Don't forget I'm from Europe," Jagr told the CP. "Russia is nothing new for me. It's close to the Czech Republic. It would be different for American or Canadian players. But for me, I enjoy it."
Pittsburgh, Edmonton and the Rangers are believed to have all offered 1-year deals.
In other moves:
* San Jose acquired defensemen Dan Boyle and Brad Lukowich from Tampa Bay for defenseman Matt Carle, top prospect Ty Wishart, and a first-round pick in 2009 and a fourth-round choice in 2010. San Jose then traded defenseman Craig Rivet to Buffalo for two future second-round picks.
* Vancouver acquired right wing Steve Bernier from Buffalo for a 2009 third-round pick and a second-round selection in 2010. *