What could've been, Jagr an Oiler?!
In 2008, Jaromir Jagr completed a successful season with the New York Rangers, scoring 71 points. He received offers from various NHL teams but decided to return to Eastern Europe.
The New York Rangers GM, Glen Sather, chose not to renew Jagr's contract, and he joined the newly formed KHL. The Edmonton Oilers were among the teams that made offers to Jagr during that period.
Jaromir «Almost happened - 68» Jagr Days until the Oilers season opener | «An arrival in Edmonton nearly happened seven months later, too, amid Jagr's first season in the KHL. Jagr had a plan in place to join the Oilers late in the season if Avangard Omsk had missed the playoffs, which took place that year in late-February» - full article on Oilersnation dot com
Although Jagr's KHL contract with Avangard Omsk was worth around $7 million, the Oilers offered more on July 2nd, 2008.
Jagr could have earned more in the NHL but declined the offer. The original plan was for Jagr to join the Oilers if Avangard Omsk didn't make the playoffs. He would have bolstered a lineup consisting of Sam Gagner, Sheldon Souray, Ales Hemsky, Dwayne Roloson, and Shawn Horcroff.
Severstal Cherepovets, who was one point behind Omsk, lost their game, allowing Omsk to secure a playoff berth.
During the Oilers' playoff hunt, Tambellini attempted to make some depth moves, but neither panned out, and they missed the playoffs by six points. Jagr eventually returned to the NHL in 2011, but he never played for the Oilers.
| POLL | ||
Should Jaromir Jagr have played for the Edmonton Oilers? | ||
| Yes | 45 | 36.9 % |
| No | 77 | 63.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
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