Hockey | Ex-Rangers captain Jagr signs with team in Russia

NEW YORK — Less than 24 hours after Jaromir Jagr was told the NHL New York Rangers couldn't wait any longer to try to negotiate a new deal, the 36-year-old Czech right wing signed a two-year contract with an option to play for Avangard Omsk, a Russian team that is part of the new Continental Hockey League.

No terms were disclosed, but the offer is believed to be the equivalent of $7 million U.S., tax-free, per season to play in Omsk, where Jagr had skated in the former Russian Super League during the NHL lockout in 2004-05. The team's general manager, Anatoly Bardin, had been publicly wooing Jagr since March.

"It was the toughest decision in my life, hockeywise," Jagr said Friday.

Jagr, 36, knew the Rangers, who had paid him $4.9 million of his $8.36 million contract (his former club, the Washington Capitals, had been on the hook for the rest) were retooling around centers Chris Drury and Scott Gomez, who came aboard last July. If he desired, captain Jagr could have accepted less money to remain in New York for a fourth season.

Jagr chose to end his illustrious NHL career, during which he won two Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins and had more goals (646) and points (1,599) than any European-born player.

Notes

• Although Dan Boyle said he felt betrayed when the Tampa Bay Lightning decided to trade him, the standout defenseman is feeling better about it after landing with the San Jose Sharks.

The Sharks acquired Boyle from Tampa Bay in a four-player deal, trading defenseman Matt Carle and top prospect Ty Wishart to the Lightning. San Jose also picked up veteran defenseman Brad Lukowich, one of Boyle's closest friends, while giving up a first-round pick in 2009 and a fourth-round choice in 2010.

San Jose made room for its new talent and replenished its draft stock by trading defenseman Craig Rivet to Buffalo for two second-round picks.

• The Vancouver Canucks acquired right wing Steve Bernier from Buffalo for a third-round pick in the 2009 NHL draft and a second-round selection in 2010.