19th July: Even trade
| 7/11 - That would normally be
considered a lucky number. Well, I guess it was - for the Washington Capitals. Just about
the time we were able to imagine Jagr in a Ranger uniform, we were all surprised to find
out that he would now be a member of the team that is our perennial April nemesis. It’s kind of a relief that it’s over now. All the waiting, speculation, and drama have come to an end. This will be the new beginning Jagr craved, what he has said he’s wanted -- a change of scenery, a chance to have his batteries recharged, an opportunity to again be the star of a team. While Bondra has been the Caps leading scorer, he was never in the same class as some of the elite players in the league like Jagr has always been. Olaf Kolzig is more than a good goaltender, but not a big draw. Adam Oates may or may not leave but even if he stays, Jagr will outshine him on this team simply because Oates is not a flashy player. Pens’ fans know what’s been lost with this trade and no matter where Jagr goes, the fans will always remember his amazing accomplishments during 11 years in Pittsburgh. Just as with any great hockey player, a true fan of the game will always be glad to see Jagr come back to the Arena where it all started for him and watch him put on a fine offensive show. I never understood how "fans" in Pittsburgh could ever boo Gretzky when he came to play in Pittsburgh or the occasional boos for Patrick Roy. If you claim to love the sport, you should respect all of the players’ abilities no matter what team they play for and give them the appreciation they deserve. The same should be said for the "fans" in other cities that often boo Mario Lemieux. It will certainly be a strange spring if the Pens and Caps meet up again in 2002. If all goes well and Jagr again plays up to his potential, he should be flying in the playoffs more determined that even to recapture the Stanley Cup. But he may have to go up against his idol, Lemieux, not only in next year’s Olympic games, but also in the playoffs. We’ll have much to look forward to as fans! Let’s hope all of this has a happy ending for both
teams. We will follow Jagr’s progress in Washington and we’ll hope to see at
least two of the new prospects that came in the deal play with the Pens. Imagine the
pressure on those guys to perform knowing they were part of a trade for one of the
league’s biggest superstars! |
 Jagr at Dulles airport in Washington. Several hundreds of fans were there to welcome him to his new "hometown".  Jagr checking out one of the more famous buildings in Washington. |
Click here to E-mail Jan Snyder