Faceoff Factor

Comments

1. Pens1967

   Jul 1, 01:23 PM

   Wow, how great would it be to see Jags come back and bracket his career with Stanley Cups for the Pens?

   I guess they must not be too concerned about his personality in the locker room.

2. Matt Bodenschatz

   Jul 1, 01:27 PM

   I wonder if this is a backup plan for Hossa or if this would be in addition to Hossa?

3. Ashley Gallant

   Jul 1, 01:30 PM

   Wow, JJ potentially back in Pittsburgh? Sportsnet was reporting this morning that he was seeking a 2yr/$15M contract. I think this could definitely be Plan B if Hossa signs elsewhere.

4. Matt Bodenschatz

   Jul 1, 01:34 PM

   I really doubt Shero offered Jagr anything close to $7.5 mil per season. I’m guessing more like $5 mil with some incentives.

5. Pens1967

   Jul 1, 01:34 PM

   To me, this is a back up plan. FWIW, Rossi reports Crosby’s agent, Pat Brisson, also is Jagr’s agent.

   On a more Machiavellian level, it could be news put out there to force Hossa’s hand, too, although Sporstnet reported an actual contract was offered. Neither Rossi nor the P-G have reported that.

6. Ashley Gallant

   Jul 1, 01:55 PM

   With Jagr’s age and the idea that he ‘appears’ to be slowing down, I would hope that Shero doesn’t hand him a $7.5M/yr contract. Then again, there have been more shocking signings on July 1.

7. Michael S.

   Jul 1, 02:50 PM

   I absolutely agree Matt. There is a significant difference to signing Hossa for $7.5/year versus signing Jagr at the same price. Jagr is older and will likely not produce the numbers that Hossa can at the ripe age of 29.

   Not to mention if Jagr doesn’t play out the full contract Penguins will still have to pay him (over age 35).

8. Pens1967

   Jul 1, 03:17 PM

   Elliot Feinberg(?) of the CBC was on with 1250 with Douglas and Mack about half hour ago. He said this actually makes a lot of sense, but he thinks it will take a bit more than 5M/yr. There was a discussion if it was the Pens contacting Jags or Brisson getting in touch with the Pens (ala Sykora last year). All three felt a two year deal fit in the Pens’ salary plan. They also believe that Jagr would like to make amends to the team after leaving in 2001.

   I don’t think it’s that far-fetched that since Pat Brisson represents both Sid and Jags that perhaps he’s the deal-maker here. He makes two clients happy with one deal.

   As for age, Jagr is still an elite player
   even at 36. There is still no one in the NHL who can take the puck off of him when he wants to have it.

9. The One and Only Surge

   Jul 1, 03:38 PM

   Mixed feelings. He has proven himself to be a selfish player and that is the last thing a team full of young guns wants.

10. Pens1967

    Jul 1, 03:41 PM

    FWIW, Rossi’s latest Chipped Ice entry says the Pens have only contacted Jagr to gauge his interest in coming back to Pgh and no contract has been offered.

11. DAVID

    Jul 1, 05:39 PM

    According to ESPN Insider NHL Rumor Central:

    “You know, money determines your position on the team – especially in the NHL,” Jagr told reporters in the Czech Republic, according to the Daily News. “As a top earner, you have more respect, they treat you differently than other cheaper players. But what I pursue the most is trust.

    “I’ve already realized that I was playing my best hockey when there was the most pressure on me. I need to hear or need to know: ‘This is your team. You are the key element and it will do as you will do.’ Then I can play my best hockey. And I feel I can still play on the highest level.”

    This will never be Jagr’s team. If that is his position, we don’t need him to show how to be a post season quitter.

    Our young guys showed the heart they had last year. PLEASE don’t taint it with Jags!

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