Reports point to...

The latest on the New York Rangers and their Free Agency dilemmas.

Only a few days after reports surfaced saying that Martin Straka will return to his native Czech Republic, it appears that the Rangers will have one less Czech star on their team this coming Fall.

Jaromir Jagr appears poised to leave Broadway for more financially lucrative pastures. As stated before, the Rangers would love to have Jagr back But they only would like him for a 1-year deal. Jagr and his agent, however, are seeking at least 2-years guaranteed. Omsk in the Russian Super-League has made a rather large offer for Jagr - 3 years, $35 million American, after-tax.

That's quite the deal. And though Jagr would like to return to the Rangers next season, Sather would be unwise to match Omsk's offer.

I would love to see a motivated, point-producing Jagr - like we saw at the end of last year and in the playoffs - back in a Blueshirt this coming year. Unfortunately, it's looking more and more unlikely. Even a two-year guaranteed deal for him would be a stretch. Who knows when the Washington Capitals Jagr will return - at his age, a decline is almost certain, and when he's not motivated, the results are disastrous.

So now what for the Rangers? Certainly not pursuing another aging, rapidly declining forward, right?

OH...WAIT A MINUTE! Let's go out and make MATS SUNDIN our number one priority.

Yes, that's right. Sources close to Glen Sather say that Mats Sundin will be the Rangers number one priority. So much for the Youth Movement on Broadway.

This is a decision that could tank the Rangers season and hurt them for several seasons to come. With Brandon Dubinsky, Chris Drury, Scott Gomez, and Blair Betts already on the roster and under contract, why pursue Sundin? Yes, I could understand moving Drury or Gomez to a wing. Possibilities do exist there. But why not just re-sign Jagr to play on the wing then? No doubt Sundin wants a multi-year deal as well? Or better yet, why not focus on pursuing Marian Hossa? He's still in his prime, and he can play. Combining him with Drury or Gomez could pay dividends for the Rangers. Yet Sather still wants Sundin. Again, I can't say for sure what his plans are - I doubt anyone can. We're just going to have to wait and see what he decides this Tuesday.