Emotional Jagr says leaving the NHL is tough
In this Jan. 22, 2008 file photo, New York Rangers right wing Jaromir Jagr, of the Czech Republic, looks to pass during the second period of an NHL hockey game in New York. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS/Frank Franklin II, File
2008-07-04 09:10:00
An emotionally-drained Jaromir Jagr believes his decision to leave the NHL was the most difficult in his career. Yet the right one.
"It wasn't an easy decision," the star winger told The Canadian Press in a phone interview Friday. "It was the toughest decision in my life, hockey-wise. ...
"It was a lot tougher than I thought it was going to be," he added. "No question about it. I hate making changes."
The 36-year-old Czech signed a "letter of intent" with Avangard Omsk of the Continental Hockey League around 3 a.m. ET Friday, according to his agent Pat Brisson.
While Brisson and Jagr both refused to provide contract details, it's believed the deal is for two years plus an option for a third, and will pay Jagr around US$7 million tax-free - the equivalent of around $11 million a season in the NHL.
Jagr played in Omsk during the 2004-05 NHL lockout and enjoyed his experience.
"Don't forget I'm from Europe," said Jagr. "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. The people love hockey and I had a great time out there."
For the upstart Russian league, the signing will be a huge victory in its attempt to lure NHL stars. Whether they can attract star players before their twilight years is another matter.
And it's clear that if an NHL team had met Jagr's request in term, he might be playing in North America next season. Jagr had hoped for a three-year deal that would bridge that gap to his planned return to his native Kladno, where his father is set to open a new arena with his son playing for the local club.
"I wanted to go home in three years so I was looking for a three-year contract if I wanted to stay here," said Jagr. "But it looks like with the new CBA, it's tough for older guys to sign long-term contracts because teams are worried you're going to get injured or retire and they're stuck with the salary on the salary cap."
As Jagr pointed out, the CBA stipulates that players 35 and over have their full contracts count against the salary cap even if the player retires midway through or gets hit by a bus.
"So it was too tough for any team to sign me to a three-year contract," said Jagr. "But I didn't want to do a one-year deal because I didn't want to go through the same thing again next summer. Because I really didn't enjoy this."
Pittsburgh, Edmonton and the Rangers are believed to be the three teams that had the most interest in Jagr. All of them offered one-year deals.
"I want to thank all the teams that still believed in me and still made an offer," said Jagr. "Edmonton was probably the biggest offer I got. It was a great offer, to be honest with you."
While Jagr refused to say - "I don't want to get into that" - it's believed Edmonton offered a one-year deal worth around $8 million.
"I wish them good luck and thanks to (GM) Kevin Lowe and the new owner," said Jagr. "It wasn't an easy decision."
Jagr had a chat with Glen Sather on Thursday when the Rangers GM said he could no longer wait around for No. 68.
Markus Naslund was coming in and that meant Jagr was no longer a Ranger.
"I'm thankful for the three years I had in New York," said Jagr. "They were great years. I understand that I'm older and the team decided to go in a different direction because they couldn't get the deal done.
"I will never say one bad word against the Rangers organization or Glen. They were great to me. And I'm not lying when I say that, it's really how I feel. They were always great to me."
A retrospective Jagr, who swayed between emotion and laughter during the interview, said he wished things could have worked out better during his three years in Washington.
He felt bad for Capitals owner Ted Leonsis.
"If I ever have a chance to talk to Ted Leonsis, I would try to explain everything to him," said Jagr. "I tried my best but it just didn't work. It's not like I didn't try, it just didn't work. He spent a lot of money to get me there to Washington and for whatever reason I just didn't play the way they expected me to play."
Offered the chance to the end the interview, Jagr first wanted to finish his thoughts. He had a blast during two decades in the NHL and will miss it.
"The NHL gave me an opportunity to play hockey," he said, sounding like he was swallowing hard. "'And I played with so many great players. Especially in Pittsburgh with Mario (Lemieux) and Ron Francis and Bryan Trottier and Paul Coffey - all those great players. I had a chance to learn hockey from them. I was very lucky.
"Probably the luckiest year was when I was 18 years old and came to the Pittsburgh Penguins," continued Jagr. "It's not only about winning the Cup but it's about the players that won the Cup. They players on that team worked so hard to win that Cup. When you're a young guy and you see how hard the older guys work, you feel bad if you don't do that with them. They taught me everything - on the ice and off the ice."
Jagr began his NHL career in 1990 and played for the Penguins, Capitals and the Rangers. In 1,273 NHL games, he had 1,599 points on 646 goals and 953 assists. He won five Art Ross Trophies as the NHL's leading scorer and will be a slam dunk candidate for the Hockey Hall of Fame.
But as Jagr pointed out, it may not be the last we've seen of him in North America.
"Maybe I will see you in Vancouver in 2010," Jagr said, referring to the Olympic Games.
And it wouldn't be an interview with Jaromir Jagr without a laugh. He grumbled that his off-season has been cut short.
"Unfortunately the seasons in Europe start two months earlier than here," he said chuckling. "I have to get ready for the season now."
carol martin (Posted 2008-07-17 21:33:07)
i think jaromir should have played for the czech republic has he forgotten the significance of the number 68 so soon and the political threat hanging over his country's head go home to kladno jaromir and be with your family.
Mike Welch (Posted 2008-07-08 11:29:21)
Jagr was a blessing and a curse. He did score alot of goals and notched even more assists, but the fact of the matter is that everyone expected him to play like he was 18 and it just didn't happen. yeah, jagr disappointed alot of people at least on paper, but he was always fun to watch no matter what age. let him go to Russia, and maybe play in a slightly less competitve league and have fun with the game as long as he can. he deserves it. GO JAGR!!!!
Bill Hall (Posted 2008-07-04 22:08:53)
As a Rangers fan I was skeptical about the their acquisition of Jagr after a lackluster tenure with the Caps. Despite the fact that his numbers did not live up to expectations (except for a few strecthes, such as this year's playoffs, in which he totally carried the team), his dedication to the team won me over. I am now, and always will be, a fan of Jaromir Jagr. His work ethic was an example for all the young players on the team. He may not have been a natural captain, but his determination set the tone for the entire organization, young players, veterans, and coaches alike.
Guy Richard (Posted 2008-07-04 18:40:20)
Jagr is simply one of the best players of his generation. Easily one of the top 50 all time. And Dave Musgrave, Jagr did make Lemieux look better, just as Kurri made Gretzky look better. How Rob phrased his thought might not have been the best way but his statement isn't dumb or ignorant.
bertl (Posted 2008-07-04 18:31:40)
i absolutely agree with dave m.! what a humbug!!!!
Dave Musgrave (Posted 2008-07-04 17:50:32)
RobM, that is perhaps the dumbest thing I've ever seen written about hockey, even from the most uneducated posters. Just ignorant!
"Rob M - 2008-07-04 10:29:02 ET
I completely disagree K.D. I believe Jagr made Lemieux look better than he was. Jagr is an extraordinary talent and the Rangers will miss him. Great puck handler, great goal scorer, great play maker. Fact is the man is getting old, let him make some big cash in Russia then call it a career. An obvious Hall of Famer."
Joe Willix (Posted 2008-07-04 17:29:05)
Anyone who thinks Jagr's ego has been detrimental obviously hasn't been watching the Rangers for the past 3 years. As doubtful as I was when they signed him, he's been the best thing to happen to the team since they signed Messier. He bought into the system, played for (and not against) his coach, and helped the Rangers get out of their near-decade long slump. A complete 180 from his Washington days. Rangers fans owe him a big "thanks and best of luck."
Abromovich (Posted 2008-07-04 17:27:21)
granted, jagr has gone downhill the last couple of years. then again, this five-time art ross trophy winner did score 71 points last season and is only sweet little 36. so jagr is lving proof to the fact, the russian khl (at least a couple of their teams) is actually in serious competition with the nhl - maybe not in the long run (due to their unprofitable business models), but right now and in the next couple of years. the nhl will have to put up with at least european players considering the option.
ps: love jagrs reason to go to omsk: "it's close to the czech republic". the place is in siberia, about 4000 kilometers from his czech hometown kladno. i think i'm going to buy myself a home in LA, so i can be close to the statue of liberty :)
Rob Bonter (Posted 2008-07-04 17:08:51)
The Rangers may miss Jagr, the colorful, enigmatic person, but it will be easy to miss his 4-1 negative turnover ratio. The Rangers are moving on in timely fashion, and would be well-advised to jetttison Shanahan, as well. Screw sentiment, time to win some hockey games in the month of June with the next generation of stars.
bob (Posted 2008-07-04 16:46:21)
Gd Luck in russia mutt..and always remember 10 or 11 ALWAYS double down when the dealer has a 3,4,5,6, or 7 showing....lol
dan (Posted 2008-07-04 16:10:31)
Rob M--- Jagr made Lemieux look better????? hahahahaha
Dan (Posted 2008-07-04 15:42:44)
I would like to thank Jagr for deeply considering Edmonton's offer and publicly stating that. This will help tremendously in changing Edmontons image as a team no one wants to play for. For the record I beleave that the rumours about Jagr not being a team guy are greatly exagerated. In fact i think that the opposite is true. i remember him turning down the Rangers captancy because he did not feel he was the right player for the job(probable cause of the laungage barrier). thank u for a greatly entertianing career in the NHL and much luck to u in Russia. Also i think this new Russian leauge will be great for Hockey on a global Scale.
Sincerly one of your greatest fans
Dan H -Edm
JW Cole (Posted 2008-07-04 15:41:59)
Jagr still not an elite player? He only led the NHL playoffs in scoring through the first two rounds of the playoffs even though his Rangers were eliminated by the Pens. I think he absolutely elevated the Rangers every time he stepped on the ice. The NHL will survive just fine but the Rangers and the entire NHL will be the lesser without him. I dont know what happened in Washington but there is no question that they did not have the overall talent to win the big prize.
Canucks Fan (Posted 2008-07-04 13:50:11)
I was hoping Jagr and Sundin would go to Vancouver especially since all the big names are gone. But without any offense they don't have a chance of making the playoffs
David (Posted 2008-07-04 13:36:14)
Malkin has the same deal Crosby has. Only a non Pens fan would make a comment like that. Malkin is treated very well by both the team, the coaching staff, and the fans.
The KHL will never compete with the NHL. The economic system would crash on itself over time dealing out huge contracts to players. You're not going to put enough azzes in seats to recoup the investments. The league cannot be self sustaining. Other interests will always control it just like now.
Bob Allisat (Posted 2008-07-04 12:38:38)
Jagr is a great player and the obvious prejudice against him by the writers at THN and elsewhere comes from the fact he's just not right for the Canadian style game. And he *never* appeared happy in North America. The KHL is very much going to compete head to head with the NHL for talent. And a lot of unhappy players are going to jump ship in the years ahead. I predict Malkin will grow sick and tired of second class treatment next to Sid the boy wonder. And there will be others. JJ is the first of many and the KHL will be a superior product as well as a great success. Betman the incompetent an his bumbling expansion crazy lackeys will have to adapt AND pay the price.
Ken (Posted 2008-07-04 12:34:56)
Thank the Gods he did not wind up in Pittsburgh again...Whew!...What a relief....He was OK when playing with Lemieux, but after that he only played when he wanted to. I hope he enjoys the 5,000 crowds and the box car train rides, and those long plane trips to find a casino to gamble in. Bon Voyage.....
keith (Posted 2008-07-04 12:25:28)
While I think Jagr is still agood player I would not sign him if I were a G.M.
Jagr plain and simple comes with too much baggage and I dont think he is a team player. If he would would let go of his ego and realize he is no longer an elite player in the NHL he may be worth having.
Andrew (Posted 2008-07-04 11:45:28)
Couldnt sombody sign him his not old and hes jaromir jagr the best player on the rangers team second to best in pittsburg maybe montreal why didnt they sign him simply because gainey is a idiot and is still waiting for sundin who will probobly sign with vancouver or else their screwed i mean if jagr and sundin where on the team then they all win the stanley cup but gainey is a retard so good luck jagr in russia come back after 3 years please
Eldrick (Posted 2008-07-04 11:38:44)
I am on board with every one of your points. However the hard nosed days are going, going gone. When the Wall came down many a Euro was ready to use R Reagan's America as a role model right there in the old country. The American Media (TV,Print,Hollywood,Academia) was not going to allow that to happen. They have energized & imported Euroville Softy ways. And today's Politician and Judge guarantee they are here to stay.
Will Head (Posted 2008-07-04 11:25:11)
He was the first chek to stand out as a superstar and and put up some big numbers good luck hope the best for ya over there 1 point shy of 1600 always thought you would make 1000 assist but owell injoy the caviar
EUROS R SOFT (Posted 2008-07-04 10:56:53)
He should thrive in Euro-land, the land of no contact, the land of SOFT hockey where Football is also given its' softest insult. The Euro might me strong right now but Euro sports will always be SOFT. You rub tires in F1 and everyone hates you, here, it is a requirement to trade paint if you want to fit in. We saw the flood of open-wheel Euros in Nascar, they ruined it by bringing their softness just as they did with the NHL, come for the bright lights and big paychecks but eventually when their welcome has wore thin, they go home. I just think that the lack of a transfer agreement will be an overall improvement for the NHL, let the lower tier softies stay in Euroville, lets get North American hockey shifted back to the hard nosed brand of days gone bye, there always will be a handful of star Euros in the NHL but sometimes less is more. Jagr was hard nosed, when he wanted to be, the guy played hard, when he wanted to be and now I'm happy he's where he wants to be.
C-Man (Posted 2008-07-04 10:45:45)
Have fun in Russia Jagr. They love you over. I see it as a fitting end to his career . Please take Federov with you.
Rob M (Posted 2008-07-04 10:29:02)
I completely disagree K.D. I believe Jagr made Lemieux look better than he was. Jagr is an extraordinary talent and the Rangers will miss him. Great puck handler, great goal scorer, great play maker. Fact is the man is getting old, let him make some big cash in Russia then call it a career. An obvious Hall of Famer.
dan hoehn (Posted 2008-07-04 10:21:28)
Seeing Jagr play nightly revealed his extraordinary skill level. It was simply impossible to take the puck off him. Sorry to see him go, he was a good Ranger. He should have won the MVP in 2005, not J. Thornton. Look at his numbers, and if you are honest with yourself, you will see he is a first ballot Hall of Famer.
K.D. (Posted 2008-07-04 09:20:09)
Good Riddance. His ego far outweighed his talent, ambition, motivation or character. He has to be the most highly overrated non talent in the league. He had a couple of good years when Lemieux made him look good but the rest were terrible and a waste of fans money. Euorpe will be sorry.
Advertisement
One-quarter of the way into the season, who is the NHL's MVP?
“It’s good. Change it up. Whatever it takes to win. Maybe one day I’m going to wear green. I don’t know, when’s St. Patrick’s Day?"
- Atlanta's Ilya Kovalchuk on the shuffling of the Thrashers' lines in practice.
Our Partners
The Hockey News Corporation. All Rights Reserved © 2008 Transcontinental
Standards: XHTML 1.0 STRICT + CSS 2. V 1.5 17.09.2008
