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PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Penguins today announced the trade that sends foward Jaromir Jagr, to the Rangers for goalie Mike Richter and defensemen Kim Johnson. Pittsburgh management stated earlier today that Jaromir would only stay if they extended his contract, which they had no admiration to do.
Jagr has said several times he wants to play for a new team
next season, and Lemieux said, "It's probably the best thing for the team and Jaromir that he be traded." And that's exactly what happened.
Another acquistion the Rangers made was acquiring goalie Patrick Roy from the Colorado Avalanche due to free agency. Roy will make $38.5 million for the next three years with his 3 year tenure with the Rangers.
Jagr will make $30.7 million over the next three seasons with the Rangers, or about
one-third of the Penguins' payroll. With 18 players unsigned for
next season, the Penguins almost certainly can't afford to retain
Lemieux and keep most of their team intact, including key free agents
Martin Straka, Alexei Kovalev and Robert Lang.
Lemieux said he knew that the Rangers had been talking to Jagr for a while, but
that, "I'm sure we'll listen to a lot of different offers." The
New York Islanders and New York Rangers, who both missed the
playoffs last season, were both in the hunt for Jagr.
Also, Lemieux said contract negotiations with general manager
Craig Patrick are going well, but are not yet completed. Patrick's
contract expires July 1.
"He's our No. 1 free agent," Lemieux said.
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