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Sunday, May 27, 2001

From the moment it became clear that the Penguins will deal Jaromir Jagr this summer, two teams, the New York Islanders and Tampa Bay Lightning, have been mentioned almost invariably as the most likely suitors.

Funny, but that's news to them.

The Islanders actually have no interest in acquiring Jagr. Although they might have had their curiosity piqued at some point, they no longer do after watching his lackluster showing in these Stanley Cup playoffs.

This is a franchise that has missed the postseason seven years in a row and is looking to build a young, hungry club determined to end that slump. If Jagr is pouting in Pittsburgh skating with Mario Lemieux, how would he react to playing on Long Island?

It's true that General Manager Mike Milbury covets a marquee attraction and is looking for an instant offensive force, but that player could be the Senators' Alexei Yashin or another top-shelf sniper he might be able to lure. It is not Jagr.

Neither is the Lightning in the running. Not now, anyway. General Manager Rick Dudley's thinking could change, but he is extremely reluctant to part with any of his young talent, which is precisely what the Penguins would seek from Tampa Bay. He insists that he has not discussed acquiring Jagr, although he will not slam the door on future discussions.

Dudley was particulary perturbed to read reports that Lightning captain Vincent Lecavalier was headed to Pittsburgh for Jagr.

"I can promise you," Dudley said, "that Vinny is not part of a deal for anybody."

So, where will Jagr wind up?

That's anyone's guess, of course, but most industry insiders seem to lean toward the theory that the Rangers -- who else? -- will come up with an offer the Penguins can't refuse. Of course, a cursory glance at their overpaid, over-the-hill roster shows that General Manager Glen Sather would have little to offer. But he does have a few promising prospects and, most important, that bottomless pit of cash.

Icy chips

Several NHL general managers will be hurrying to get their 1999 draft picks under contract by Friday. Any unsigned players -- with the exception of those from Europe or those in U.S. colleges -- can re-enter the draft June 23-24. Craig Patrick confirmed that left winger Konstantin Koltsov, the Penguins' top choice in 1999, is exempt from this rule. Koltsov, a Belarus native, plays in the Russian Elite League.

Don't be surprised if Larry Murphy retires soon. Murphy, 40, was informed this week by the Red Wings that he will not be re-signed for next season, regardless of how little money he is willing to accept. He has played 21 stellar years in the NHL.

The Hurricanes already have sold 10,120 season tickets -- about 1,000 more than the Penguins sold last season -- partly because the NHL has promised Carolina fans they would get an All-Star Game within five years of reaching 12,000. The team has imposed a deadline of Thursday for reaching that goal this season, shooting for the 2006 game.

"They need someone to put people in the stands. They need a draw." Those were the words of Jeremy Roenick, assessing his own potential value to the Blackhawks should they sign him as an unrestricted free agent this summer. The estimated asking price of this premier gate attraction: $7.5 million a year.

Johan Hedberg has placed his now-famous Moose mask on display at his goaltending shop in Leksand, Sweden, where he sells puck-shooting machines and other netminding equipment. No, he's not putting the mask for sale, but neither does he plan to wear it again. Expect a new design come September, likely in black and gold.

Dejan Kovacevic can be reached at dkovacevic@ post-gazette.com.