Penguins Offer Jagr, Not Red Wings
The ongoing flirtation between Jaromir Jagr and the Pittsburgh Penguins, his former fling, are getting real. Penguins GM Ray Shero told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that he has offered the former team captain a one-year deal and expect word from Jagr today.
"[Today] is decision day," Shero said. "We'll see what he does. ... He's got all the information he needs from us [to make up his mind]."
Since it became clear Jagr was interested in a return to the NHL, there have been two teams at the forefront with a third unknown team supposedly also in the mix. Jagr first was in contact with the Red Wings and GM Ken Holland showed reciprocal interest. Since then, Jagr and the Penguins have been figuring out if things would work for a return to the Steel City.
Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review is of the mind that if Jagr had his druthers, he'd go back to Pittsburgh. Same goes for Dan Byslma, the Penguins coach who has commented a few times on how he'd like to see Jagr on his bench.
"I've been on record a few times with the media about what the attributes of Jaromir Jagr are still really good," Bylsma said. "I think [a reporter] used the word 'hypothetical,' and we've kind of run with that word. There are things that I think he could add to our team."
Rossi quoted Jagr's agent, Petr Svoboda, as saying Jagr is on his way to the States.
"He is flying to New York [from the Czech Republic] right now," agent Petr Svoboda said. "He is coming this afternoon and will tell us his answer then."
Because of CBA rules, the deal cannot be made official and signed until Friday, when free agency begins.
It's hard to believe that he would fly to America just to say no. Assuming the offer is truly "fair" and "respectful" as Shero said, it looks like you can bust out those No. 68 sweaters in Pittsburgh and start growing back those mullets.
