Excerpt from the New York Post (Larry Brooks):
Glen Sather is seriously considering a 2008-09 go-for-it-now first line tandem of Mats Sundin and Jaromir Jagr , sources in Europe and North America have told The Post.
Sundin, the 37-year-old long-time Maple Leafs captain who can become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, has made it clear New York is his desired destination. Indeed, we’re told that the New York Rangers have held conversations with both the centerman and his representative, J.P. Barry, after having received permission to do so by Toronto.
Habster:
Cliff Fletcher is denying that the Rangers have been granted permission to talk to Mats Sundin and the Canadiens have elusive rights until July 1st.
I’m sure this hasn’t stopped Glen Sather from sending a message through J.P. Barry of the Rangers interest in his client after July 1st, perfectly within the Rangers rights as long as no contract numbers are thrown in Sudin’s direction.
As far as Larry Brooks sources telling him that the Rangers will pursue both Sundin and Jagr, there isn’t enough money for both of them even with the cap limit going up to $55-$56 million.
The Rangers already have just under $19 million locked up with three players (Chris Drury, Scott Gomez and Henrik Lundqvist) so if you add another $14 million to the mix for Sundin and Jagr, that’s $33 million for five players!!!
I realize the Rangers have a huge turnover of players who are heading to the UFA and RFA markets but they still have to sign these players or look for replacements via these markets……..the math just doesn’t add up to complete the roster.