Over the past month we have been tracking the Jaromir Jagr situation here on the blog. He is now a free agent since his contract with Avangard Omsk of the KHL has expired, and the former All-Star has made it clear that a return to the National Hockey League is absolutely a possibility. The Rangers were one of the teams he listed when talking about a possible return to North America, though the Pittsburgh Penguins seem to be leading the sweepstakes if he does.
Spectors Hockey is reporting that Jagr would prefer to make a decision on where he will play next season within the next week, and says that the Rangers are monitoring the situation...
Andre Cyr reports Jaromir Jagr is expected to reach a decision by next week where he could play next season. He’s currently in talks with four KHL teams and isn’t ruling out a return to the NHL. His European agent claims the Montreal Canadiens are interested in signing him, while other sources claim the NY Rangers are studying the issue.
If Jagr plans on making his decision by next week and negotiations with clubs in the KHL are not going anywhere, I think there may be a good chance we see him return to North America in some capacity. Whether it will be with the Rangers or not is unknown, but either way, it would be great to see a sure Hall-of-Famer back on this side of the Atlantic.
As I said above, the Penguins are most likely atop Jagr's list of teams he would play for if he returned for many reasons. He was previously a star their, his best friend in Mario Lemieux owns the team and obviously, and probably most importantly, they are a top notch contending hockey club. The only advantage the Rangers have over the Pens in the Jagr sweepstakes is that they currently have more cap space and therefore could potentially offer a heftier contract.
The Canadiens, on the other hand, have more money to spend than both of the Rangers and Pens, so I think they are very much in play as well. Also, Jagr said he has always wanted to play on a Canadian team since he hasn't before, and this would be a pretty good opportunity to do so.
It should be an interesting next few days. I just hope Jaromir makes the right decision and comes back to the NHL; I think that's the only real way to finish out an incredible career such as his.