Jagr Heads To Russia!

Russians Announce Signing of Jagr

Russian hockey club Avangard Omsk said on its website Friday that it had signed Jaromir Jagr for the upcoming season, just one day after the New York Rangers said they were moving ahead without the superstar.

The club in the Continental Hockey League announced the signing on its website but did not disclose the terms of the contract. There was much speculation that Jagr would sign in Russia even before the Rangers decided to move on without him.

It came as no surprise that he signed with Avangard as he played with the team during the NHL’s lockout season in 2004-05.

Naslund To Replace Jagr in NYC

Former Vancouver Canucks captain Markus Naslund has agreed to a $8-million, two-year deal with the New York Rangers spelling the end of the Jaromir Jagr era in the Big Apple.

This is an interesting move.  However, leave it to the Rangers to over-pay a player to under-perform, it seems to be what the Blueshirts are best at.  I’d love to see Naslund have a breakout season in New York, but I honestly don’t see it happening.

Habs Ink Big Georges

When enforcer Georges Laraque played against Montreal last season, he noticed they were missing a big, tough player like himself. Being a Canadiens fan, I can say that they were in dire need of some toughness.  Laraque mentioned in his press conference that he noticed that he could get away with cheap-shots against the Canadiens because “nobody would do anything about it”.

While I am glad to see the Habs add some toughness, $4.5 Million over 3 years seemed a little much.  However, with the way things are going with free agents this season that contract may seem like a steal next July!

On another note:  This signing will single-handedly bring the Canadiens’ team speed down to average.

Bruins Prospect Driving Drunk

Boston Bruins prospect Jamie Arniel has been arrested for impaired driving. It is always sad to hear that players with such bright futures will put themselves in a situation that could not only end thier careers, but therr lives as well (Not to mention the lives of others).

Police allege that Arniel was behind the wheel of a Toyota that zig-zagged across lawns and hit parked cars, utility poles and a stop sign in a half-hour long early-morning smashing spree.

Blake Seeking Stanley Cup

Veteran defenseman Rob Blake has signed with the San Jose Sharks, leaving Pacific Division rival Los Angeles for a more immediate chance at a championship.

I don’t think I can blame Rob Blake for leaving Los Angeles and looking for a chance to pick up a Stanley Cup ring in the twilight of his career.  This move is actually great for both teams as Blake still adds tremendous value on the blueline in San Jose and allows the Kings to continue their rebuilding process with a little more cash in the coffers.

If the Sharks were not considered a Cup contender already, this signing adds instant credibility to that statement.

A Review of Don Cherry’s New Book

Over at HockeyBookReviews.com, Joe Pelletier has a nice review and sample of the cover image of Don Cherry’s new book.  The title of the book is Don Cherry’s Hockey Stories and Stuff – pretty unoriginal title  for one of televisions most colorful characters.