I can't say I didn't see this coming, and neither can the New York Rangers. It seems Jaromir Jagr has stepped on the ice for the last time in the NHL.
Jagr has recently signed with Avangard Omsk, a Russian league team. The terms of the contract were not yet announced. This is the same team that Jagr played with during the 2004-2005 NHL lock-out.
The move seemed inevitable as Jagr's production was declining and the physical type of play in the NHL was starting to show its wear on him. By moving to the Russian league, Jagr will be playing more of a European style of hockey that suits his skills well and is less physical.
This isn't to say Jagr doesn't have the skills to keep playing competitively, even in the NHL.
Two years ago he was the runner-up for league MVP and had 123 points with 54 goals. Those are numbers of a very skilled player, but the 36-year-old former captain put up less impressive numbers more recently and has shown a greater interest of playing closer to home.
He originally indicated that he would like to some day play for his home town team Kladno in the Czech Republic.
Jagr has had a long career, dating back to 1988 when he started his career with the HC Klando club before getting drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1990. My guess is that he will go back to Kladno to end his career with his hometown team.
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3 months ago
I just want to say in Jagr's defense that he didn't mesh with Drury and Gomez is overrated and so he ended up playing with Dubinsky which isn't going to help him get assists or score goals. The biggest mistake the Rangers made was letting Nylander go, they had a good thing going. I think had Pittsburgh actively pursued him he would have done very well with Crosby or Malkin, sad they didn't do more.
3 months ago
I agree..if we could have signed Nylander last year Jagr's leaving would have been a moot point. He had to spend this whole season trying to mesh with somebody. I am still really miffed at the way Sather handled Avery.He's perfect for NY and did a great job what was the point of lowballing and refusing to talk??I do have to say I would have loved to see Jagr sign again with the Penquins before seeing him leave the NHL...I'll miss him terribly...My son has worn #68 since he was 6 years old and now he's almost 18....maybe losing Jagr is more a sentimental thing for me than you guys out there!!!!
3 months ago
I will miss Jagr!
3 months ago
I became a huge hockey fan because of Jagr's Rangers. I am going to miss him. Good Luck Jagrs!!!
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