NHL: Jagr still unhappy

By Mark Stone Sportsuperstarz.com Columnist

When Mario Lemieux returned in December all was thought to be well in the hockey abyss that was Pittsburgh. With their superstar back, the Penguins could now contend for a Stanley Cup, as they boasted one of the greatest one-two punches in the game of hockey. However, according to a Penguins official we spoke with, Jaromir Jagr remains unhappy despite the Pittsburgh’s success since Lemieux’s return.

In late November, Jagr made two trade requests to then team owner Lemeiux. Lemieux denied both requests and eventually returned pronouncing that “all was well” with the situation. According to the official we spoke with, this is not the case. According to him, Jagr remains unhappy with the current climate and situation with the Penguins.

“The guy really just can’t get happy,” said the executive, who spoke with Sportsuperstarz.com on condition of anonymity. “He is just tired of the pressure, it is like he has lost his desire or spark to play this game. Jaromir is a magical player, but that magic is just gone right now. A change of scenery might be just what he needs. That is unfortunate for us.”

According to organization sources we spoke with, Jagr again made a trade request at the end of January. Lemeiux again denied the request and according to team sources this latest denial has upset Jagr. Lemeiux has stated that he would not trade the superstar, however as Tuesday’s deadline approaches, it is becoming increasingly clear that Jagr wants out of Pittsburgh.

“Jaromir doesn’t want to play here anymore,” said the executive. “He has had three or four meetings with Mario and he has basically told them that the desire to perform here is gone. He would never say it publicly, but I really think that this place is no good for him anymore. He needs some place where he doesn’t feel confined. Until that happens, I doubt we see him that happy.”

The Penguins are currently 35-24-8-2 and seeded fifth in the Eastern Conference. They currently trail the Flyers by four points for fourth place in the conference. They also trail the Devils by seven points for the Atlantic Division lead. Despite being unhappy, Jagr has put together another outstanding season.

The right wing has tallied 42 goals and 102 points this season to be the NHL’s leading scorer. He has benefited immensely from the return of Lemeiux, however according to sources; things will get worse in Pittsburgh before they get better.

“The situation here is bad,” the executive said. “Jaromir can’t get happy in the current situation and that could mean a playoff disaster for us. I think that the guy needs out of Pittsburgh. And the more he can’t get out, the more frustrated he becomes. And that is going to hurt both him and us.”

Unfortunately for Pittsburgh, if it hurts them, that could mean another early playoff exit.

Article courtesy of Sportsuperstarz.com