As Jaromir Jagr took apart the US during
this morning’s IHF World Championship game, rumors circulated about a potential
NHL return for No. 68. The latest whispers are that the Penguins
reached out to Jagr to participate in an alumni golf tournament, and somehow
thatturned
into a rumor that Jagr was considering joining Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin
with the Penguins next season. If Jagr does decide to return to
North America Pittsburgh is certainly a logical location, but there’s been no
indication he’s leaning towards an NHL return.
For all those of you wishing that Jagr would return to the
Rangers, don’t hold your breath. New
York has made an obvious commitment to its
youngsters, and bringing Jagr back would be a pretty blatant clash of
philosophies. Don’t get me wrong, if Jagr was willing to sign a
one-year deal he could still be very helpful for the Blueshirts. I
just don’t think Rangers’ brass would ever seriously consider it.
Jagr showed during the World Championships and the Winter
Olympics last year that he’s still more than capable of playing against NHL
level competition. But it also must be noted that he always gives
his all during international tournaments when he represents the CzechRepublic,
but that wasn’t always the case with the Rangers in the grueling NHL. At
his age and with so many miles on his legs, playing a full 82 game schedule
might be a lot to ask.
At 39-years-old, Jagr has undoubtedly lost a step. The
bigger international ice surface and less physical game are surely helping him
prolong his career. Jagr knows this, and if he truly intends to keep
playing for the foreseeable future, the safe money is on him staying
overseas.
If Jagr does return to the NHL, he could certainly be
productive in a supporting role and on the power play, but he’s not the player
he was. Of course, if he does end up joining Crosby in Pittsburgh, maybe he’ll
pot 40 goals next year. Just don’t expect to see him in blue.
- With the United States eliminated,
Chris Kreider, Derek Stepan, and Ryan McDonagh have played the last games of a
loooonnggg season. Particularly Stepan and McDonagh, who played deep
into last year during Wisconsin’s run in the Frozen Four, then played in
Traverse City, training camp, preseason, the regular season, a playoff round, and
now the World Championships. That’s a lot to ask from a couple of
rookies so here’s hoping they take some significant time to rest up and heal in
the coming weeks and months.
- It’s not a sure thing yet, but it certainly sounds like
the Islanders aren’t going anywhere. The Isles revealed
a proposal for a new arena deal that would ensure they’ll stay on Long
Island long-term. It’s always fun to speculate on bringing
an NHL franchise back to Winnipegor Quebec, but I’m glad it’s not going to be
the Islanders moving. The Rangers/Islanders rivalry is always
enjoyable and has plenty of history. I’m glad it’s here to stay, especially
with both teams currently on the upswing.
Season Review:
Breaking
Down The Defense >
Breaking
Down The Goalies >
Breaking
Down The Offense >
Breaking
Down The Prospects >
How
Three Free Agent Signings In 2007 Have Shaped The Eastern Conference >
Spotlight
On Glen Sather >
Spotlight
On John Tortorella >
Player Reviews:
Spotlight
On Mats Zuccarello >
Spotlight
On Brian Boyle >
Spotlight
On Matt Gilroy >
Spotlight
On Ruslan Fedotenko >
Spotlight
On Brandon Prust >
Possible First Round Pick:
Zack
Phillips >
