On the Wings

Jaromir Jagr has been traded to the New York Rangers in exchange for Anson Carter. I find this deal very typical of the Rangers, a team that has amassed some of the biggest egos in the league. Jagr basically acted as the head coach in Washington, deciding his linemates and getting mock “head” coach Bruce Cassidy fired earlier in the season because the two had a personal squabble. And he carries a hefty salary, although the Caps have agreed to pick up $20 million of the remaining $44 million on his 4 year contract (a club option on the fifth). Jagr will make $10 million a year for the remainder of his contract, agreeing to deferr $1 million / year with interest. The Caps will be paying half of the $10 million / year over the four years, to account for the $20 million they agreed to pick up. Jagr has averaged a point per game in his stay in Washington, but slumps and the Caps missing the playoffs left Washington managment unsatisfied with his performace. The Rangers now have the highest payroll in the NHL at over $78 million this season, surpassing the Detroit Red Wings.