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The Shamrock

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From Russia, With Love

  • 11:06 PM ET  07.07
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      After signing a lucrative contract with Avangard Omsk, it appears that Jaromir Jagr's days in the NHL are indeed over. It's a melancholy emptiness. Almost surreal. Little fanfare, as Jaromir quietly leaves out the back door. Somehow I expected a more appropriate end for one of the NHL's most explosive and decorated talents. I never envisioned the final chapter in his hockey history would be titled From Russia, With Love.
     The New York Rangers essentially made the decision for him. Disgrading all sane reasoning and logic, they went in favor of underachieving Markus Naslund. A vastly inferior talent who's production pales in comparison (Jagr owns a sparkling 1.25 career point average. But I'm afraid you'll need an electron microscope to detect Naslund's 0.79). True, Jagr is slightly older. But he makes up for it, with desire and will. Naslund and great work ethic have never been used together in the same sentence. After a dreadful start, Jagr sizzled in the second half, finishing with 71 points. Naslund had yet another uneventful and uninspiring season, recording a paltry 55 points. But it was in the playoffs where Jagr reaffirmed his legend status. While Chris Drury and Scott Gomez performed skillful disappearing acts, Jagr carried the Blue Shirts with 15 points in 10 games. He was dangerious scoring threat on every shift. Though bowing in five games, Jagr gave the Pittsburgh Penguins all they could handle.
     Despite playing primarily in an era dominated by Michelin Man goalie equipment and rampant obstruction, Jaromir Jagr dominated like few could. You could be assured of at least one highlight reel play a game. On many nights, it looked like a man against boys. The stars from the Cup-winning team were long gone, replaced by bargain basement players that the cash-strapped franchise could actually afford. Yet, not a word of discontent. Instead he simply got the optimum output from a makeshift cast. Amassing a treasure trove of hardware while establishing himself as the era's definitive superstar.
     Arguably the greatest European born and trained player ever to lace a pair of skates, he was not without his fair share of critics. His stint with the Washington Capitals was lackluster and forgettable. Time forever lost. A  unsightly blemish in an otherwise illustrious career. Sure he was moody. And slightly aloof. But win or lose, he always treated the media with respect. I don't recall any Ryan Leaf episodes. Do you? After all he's accomplished in North America, it's ironic that the only franchise willing to offer two years is European. Well, whenever Jaromir Jagr does decide to hang up his skates, he will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the game's true superstars. In the same honorable breath as Dionne, Hawerchuk, Mikita, Savard & Stastny. Do svidaniya Jaromir! You will be missed.

Comments (9) Add A Comment

July 8, 2008  04:58 AM ET
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I think Vancouver are the real fools in this story.

They offer Sundin $20 million for two years. But they wouldn't pony up for the $16-$18 million/2 year deal Jagr wanted? How does that make sense?

I know Vancouver is a no-mullet-zone, but Jagr got rid of that awful thing a few years back if I'm not mistaken.

July 8, 2008  08:00 AM ET
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Nice tribute Shamrock. I would have liked to have seen him in a Pens uniform again. I also agree with Yoda, I'd take Jags over Sundin any day of the week.

Jagr's goal agains the Blackhawks in game one of the 92 finals is still one of the best goals ever.

July 8, 2008  08:10 AM ET
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LetsGoPens.....you can't be serious with wanting Jagr back in a Pens' uniform? Not talking about his skill, that is a matter of record, but you sure don't need his attitude on a team or in a locker room. Especially on a team of young guys who are looking to the vets for leadership.

July 8, 2008  08:15 AM ET
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I know I'm in the minority, but I've always been a Jagr fan. I think not being the number 1 guy would have helped him, like his days with Mario. This is obviously Sid's team with geno right behind him.

July 8, 2008  03:17 PM ET
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Opinions are cool..... :-)

July 8, 2008  03:17 PM ET
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Damn....YODA spoke in FULL sentences!

July 8, 2008  10:58 PM ET
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It would be poetic and fitting if Jagr began & ended his career with the Penguins. Players are sometimes traded to their original team just so they can officially retire with them.

July 9, 2008  03:54 AM ET
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Damn....YODA spoke in FULL sentences!
Therrien Rocks | 07/08/08, 03:17 PM

Drunk, I must have been.

 
July 9, 2008  08:12 AM ET
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He's baaaaaack!

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