Jagr to return to Pittsburgh?

http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/22224-THNcom-Blog-Jagr-says-return-to-Penguins-not-out-of-the-question.html

Says if Mario asked him to come play that he would seriously consider it, saying he owes Lemiux for what he is today. Would play for league minimum too.

I actually wonder if it is a possibility, cause you'd think Pittsburgh would be all over that. He could easily be the winger they need for Sidney.

In fact, why isn't Pittsburgh also looking at Shanahan? 1. Veteran player with playoff experience and leadership? Check. 2. Toughness? Check. 3. Ability to score when needed? Check.

Malkin - Crosby - Jagr
Gonchar - Whitney

Would be a powerplay for the ages.

Also, Shanahan's skating ability has really diminished. He's really not useful for much more than as a powerplay specialist.

sighhhh this would be a dream come true. Jagr is my fave of all
time. I can't see it happening. The contracts in Russia
have to mean something.

How long did he sign for in Russia? And is there an out option like Emery?

DashRiprock wrote:How long did he sign for in Russia? And is there an out option like Emery?

I thought it was either 2 or 3 years. Im thinking 2 but who knows
how firm they are. If Radulov can jump ship why couldn't Jagr the
other way I suppose

Nasty Nas wrote:

DashRiprock wrote:How long did he sign for in Russia? And is there an out option like Emery?

I thought it was either 2 or 3 years. Im thinking 2 but who knows
how firm they are. If Radulov can jump ship why couldn't Jagr the
other way I suppose

Contracts are not binding in the KHL the same way they are in the NHL. It's a Russian law thing, and I don't pretend to understand it, but it came up a few months ago during the whole Radulov debate, which I was following closely. I don't know the specifics, but I know that, basically, a player in Russia can walk away from a contract without facing any legal consequences.

rooneypoo wrote:

Nasty Nas wrote:

DashRiprock wrote:How long did he sign for in Russia? And is there an out option like Emery?

I thought it was either 2 or 3 years. Im thinking 2 but who knows
how firm they are. If Radulov can jump ship why couldn't Jagr the
other way I suppose

Contracts are not binding in the KHL the same way they are in the NHL. It's a Russian law thing, and I don't pretend to understand it, but it came up a few months ago during the whole Radulov debate, which I was following closely. I don't know the specifics, but I know that, basically, a player in Russia can walk away from a contract without facing any legal consequences.

Malkin did the same when he left. He basically gave his employer 2 weeks written notice and walked away from the contract, just as one would quit any job here. You're right, it's a labour law thing, not a CBA issue (or the KHL equivalent, if one exists). I remember hearing that the league was planning to petition the government to close that loophole for sports team. I don't know where that went though.

I thought they already closed that loophole?
Of course, there are rumours that players aren't being paid, at least not in full, so contracts may not be worth the paper they were written on ...

Acrobat wrote:I thought they already closed that loophole?
Of course, there are rumours that players aren't being paid, at least not in full, so contracts may not be worth the paper they were written on ...

It may very well have. Like I said, I wasn't sure. Jagr has stated that he isn't experiencing any pay issues, but his team is the KHL equivalent of the Leafs. I'm sure that if some players aren't being paid, they will find a way out. I imagine that as soon as some of the non Russians stop getting paid, the desire to play there becomes precisely zero.

hemlock wrote:

Acrobat wrote:I thought they already closed that loophole?
Of course, there are rumours that players aren't being paid, at least not in full, so contracts may not be worth the paper they were written on ...

It may very well have. Like I said, I wasn't sure. Jagr has stated that he isn't experiencing any pay issues, but his team is the KHL equivalent of the Leafs. I'm sure that if some players aren't being paid, they will find a way out. I imagine that as soon as some of the non Russians stop getting paid, the desire to play there becomes precisely zero.

I read somewhere that they HAVE, in fact, began having trouble paying players.
Interesting....

BigRig77 wrote:

hemlock wrote:

Acrobat wrote:I thought they already closed that loophole?
Of course, there are rumours that players aren't being paid, at least not in full, so contracts may not be worth the paper they were written on ...

It may very well have. Like I said, I wasn't sure. Jagr has stated that he isn't experiencing any pay issues, but his team is the KHL equivalent of the Leafs. I'm sure that if some players aren't being paid, they will find a way out. I imagine that as soon as some of the non Russians stop getting paid, the desire to play there becomes precisely zero.

I read somewhere that they HAVE, in fact, began having trouble paying players.
Interesting....

I'd only heard of an across the board pay cut. I think it was 30% but I'm not certain of that. Still, having to move across the world, and experience culture shock, then having being hit with a paycut cannot be impressing the North American players over there.

Anyone know if the KHL season finishes earlier than the NHL season? Cause if it finished in time for the deadline, then players coming off contracts there could potentially sign as UFA's in the NHL, right? All of a sudden you could have Jagr, Emery as free deadline acquisitions.

It also says that he can't be let out of his contract until after 2009-10...