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MOSCOW -- Jaromir Jagr signed with a Russian team a day after his split with the New York Rangers, leaving the NHL after nearly two decades and returning to the club he joined during the 2004-05 lockout.
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The Russian League team Avangard Omsk announced the signing of the 36-year-old Czech winger on its website Friday.
"It was the toughest decision in my life, hockeywise. ... No question about it. I hate making changes," Jagr told the Canadian Press.
Jagr's agent, Pat Brisson, confirmed the signing in an e-mail. He and Jagr, as well the team, wouldn't comment on contract terms. However, the deal is believed to be for two years plus an option for a third, and will pay Jagr about $7 million tax free, the equivalent of about $11 million a season in the NHL.
"It was a very difficult but personal decision to make in light of the many NHL teams interested in his services," Brisson said. "He is grateful to the NHL and especially the Rangers in recent years."
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| Jagr signs a deal with Russian team Avangard Omsk for a reported two years with an option. (Getty Images) |
"Don't forget I'm from Europe," Jagr told the CP. "Russia is nothing new for me. It's close to the Czech Republic. It would be different for American or Canadian players. But for me, I enjoy it. The people love hockey and I had a great time out there."
Pittsburgh, Edmonton and the Rangers are believed to have had the most interest in Jagr. All offered one-year deals.
"I want to thank all the teams that still believed in me and still made an offer," Jagr said. "Edmonton was probably the biggest offer I got. It was a great offer, to be honest with you."
Jagr had long been reported to be considering lucrative offers from Russia. Rangers general manager Glen Sather grew impatient waiting for serious negotiations with Jagr's side and went in another direction Thursday, signing former Vancouver Canucks captain Markus Naslund and making Jagr's return unlikely.
"I'm thankful for the three years I had in New York," Jagr said. "They were great years. I understand that I'm older and the team decided to go in a different direction because they couldn't get the deal done."
If Jagr had reached 84 points or won a major NHL award this season, his expiring contract would have been automatically extended for one year.
He just missed being league MVP two years ago when he was the runner-up after breaking Rangers records for goals (54) and points (123) in a season.
