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Jagr may net liberty
Pens star to N.Y. among NHL moves in the works

Tony Gallagher
The Province (Vancouver)

Barring a late entry in the Jaromir Jagr sweepstakes, the gifted Czech should be listing New York state as his working address by the time the NHL draft rolls around next weekend.

The question remains, which county?

The New York Islanders have the greatest collection of young, cheap talent to attract Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Craig Patrick, himself close to signing a new deal to run Mario Lemieux's squad.

While it isn't clear who Isles GM Mike Milbury is dangling, to be sure Zdeno Chara is one name who would be heading to Pittsburgh, as well as perhaps Dave Scatchard and the Isles' top pick.

This posturing on the part of the Isles is all well and good, but most close to the talks are wondering whether the Isles owners will pull the trigger and spend the money it'll take to bring the league's leading scorer. Jagr has two years left on his contract, which calls for a total payment of $20.7 million US, plus he has some deferred money coming his way -- the team taking him needing to assume this responsibility as well.

The other contending team is, of course, the Rangers. While GM Glen Sather has been telling some he isn't too keen on Jagr, there is no question they're in up to their eyeballs on this one.

The Pens are said to be asking for one of either Radek Dvorak or Jan Hlavac along with defenceman Tomas Kloucek, which guts the Rangers of what promising young players the organization has.

At least one other significant, inexpensive asset is also required.

Money isn't a problem for the Rangers, so they could end up with Jagr, who either way will be faced with dragging a poor team into the playoffs.

Jagr knows he's being traded, but it hasn't affected his relationship with Lemieux, the two travelling together to the NHL awards ceremony this week.

"This is business," said Jagr. "Mario and I will always be friends. He's always been my idol and I know this is tough for him. If I was in his position, I would do the same thing."

There were reports late this week that San Jose was interested, but unless it was to quickly deal Teemu Selanne out the side door, this seems unlikely even though the Sharks have more than enough young players to pull it off.

Getting Jagr out of the conference would be attractive to the Pens, but Los Angeles is apparently not willing to kick in the coin, even though the deal makes all kinds of sense for its star-oriented market.

The Canucks, meanwhile, are still chasing Mike Peca, the problem being 10 other teams are doing the same. The rugged centre fits in with the club's plans of landing a top-six forward and the Canucks have the kind of young players that could attract the Sabres, but GM Darcy Regier has many options.

Given the nature of Peca and his ability as a centre-ice assassin, it would make sense for Buffalo to get him out of the conference.

With Doug Gilmour retiring, it would make sense that any deal involving the Canucks might include Brendan Morrison, the young centre fitting Buffalo's plans.

It's believed Philadelphia is interested in Brett Hull and will be making a pitch to land the soon-to-be-unrestricted free agent, although he's also close to Guy Carbonneau and might consider Montreal despite his aversion to returning to Canada.

Teams interested in Dominik Hasek are concerned the legendary goalie, who isn't keen on a pay cut, may pull the pin mentally after the Olympics, the real reason he's decided to play another season.

The Rangers are again said to be interested in this year's Vezina Trophy winner, who's coming off an 11-shutout season, but then the Rangers are said to be interested in any player who can skate and breathe.

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Ottawa GM (don't know the name of the guy who replaced Dudley): So, we got a deal? Yashin for the two pick, Isbister, and Connelly?

Milbury: I don't know, I don't feel right about it.

Ottawa: What's the problem?

Milbury: I think I will throw in DiPietro to make it fair.

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