Jagr staying with Devils
Jaromir Jagr has decided to remain with the New Jersey Devils for another year. "I was happy being here," the 42-year-old Jagr said Thursday in a conference call from Belarus, where he is playing for the Czech Republic in the world championships. "There was no reason to change. There was no reason to test free agency.
Jaromir Jagr has decided to remain with the New Jersey Devils for another year.
"I was happy being here," the 42-year-old Jagr said Thursday in a conference call from Belarus, where he is playing for the Czech Republic in the world championships. "There was no reason to change. There was no reason to test free agency. What would happen? Someone might give me more money, but nobody can guarantee me that I'd be happy someplace else. If I'm happy, then there's no reason to go anywhere else. I play my best hockey when I'm happy."
The Devils did not release terms of the contract. Jagr said it was a one-year deal. The contract is believed to be worth $6 million with incentives.
Jagr was the Devils' leading scorer this season, finishing with 24 goals and 43 assists for 67 points.
Jagr will turn 43 in February of next season, his 21st year in the NHL. A two-time winner of the Stanley Cup when he played for the Pittsburgh Penguins, Jagr has 705 goals and 1,050 assists.
Niemi in net
Antti Niemi was back in goal for the San Jose Sharks in Game 7 of their first-round series against the Los Angeles Kings late Wednesday in San Jose.
Niemi started the first five games of the series before rookie Alex Stalock replaced him to start a 4-1 loss in Game 6 to the Kings. Game 7 ended too late for this edition.
Masterton finalists
Jagr, the Carolina Hurricanes' Manny Malhotra, and the New York Rangers' Dominic Moore are the finalists for the Masterton Trophy.
The honor goes "to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey." - Associated Press