Jaromir Jagr: Willing to Turn Down Big Money For NHL Return?

The New York Post is reporting on their website today that Rangers free agent Captain Jaromir Jagr has received a massive offer from Omsk of the Russian Continental League. 

According to the Post the club has stepped up to the plate with a three year deal worth a reported $35 million.  That an average of just under $12 million per year and nothing close to the numbers we've heard coming out of the Rangers camp. 

The Rangers are believed to be looking at a one year deal with most of the compensation tied up in bonuses that will not count against this season's salary cap. 

If money were the only issue this one would appear to be a no-brainer, especially given that Jagr played for Omsk during the NHL lockout.  But Jagr's agent Pat Brisson told the Post this afternoon that it's not that simple.

"Jaromir and I spoke last night and this morning, and his goal first and foremost is to play in the NHL for another two or three seasons," Brisson told the Post. "His objective is to sign a new contract with the Rangers, and that has always been his priority."

Brisson also pointed out that Jagr is so committed to returning to the NHL that if the Rangers didn't resign him he would look to other clubs before accepting the Russian offer. 

It also appeared extremely unlikely that Jagr would be willing to accept the type of one year deal the Rangers would offer, instead preferring something in the two or three year range.

Jagr's reluctance to jump ship and join the Russian League appears rooted in his belief that the NHL offers a higher level of competition.

UPDATE

The New York Daily News has a follow-up to this story in which Jagr denies having received such a huge offer from the Russian Club Omsk. 

“I know what are the exact sums offered by both sides and that's the difference between me and you, journalists," said Jagr to reporters in the Czech Republic.

"Sometimes I must laugh at what's been published in the papers. I really don't know where you get those sums guys. It would be nice to get that kind of money, but it won't happen.”

The free agent winger also seemed genuinely conflicted over where he'll finish his hockey career.  With offers from the New York Rangers and Omsk already on the table, and surely more to follow once free agency begins, this is shaping up to be a tough decision for the first time free agent.  

But for Jagr this isn't about the money.  It's deeper than that.  It's about being wanted.  It's about knowing you belong.

“I’m waiting for a signal,” he said. “To hear something that convince me - yeah, that’s it. That’s what I want. Once I’ll get that kind of signal, I’ll sign the contract.”

Sounds to me like the Rangers better send that signal soon, or they'll be looking to fill a huge void on their top line.