PITTSBURGH — There will be no homecoming for Jaromir Jagr with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The NHL team announced that it has withdrawn a US$2-million, one-year offer to the forward just prior to the opening of free agency.
The Penguins seemingly grew tired of waiting for an answer from Jagr, who has reportedly received interest from as many as 12 NHL teams.
“We made what we thought was a very fair contract offer to Jaromir on Tuesday, based on his stated interest of returning to the Penguins,” Pittsburgh GM Ray Shero said in a statement.
“We made our best offer from the start, given our salary cap structure, in an attempt to facilitate a deal. But now, after several days, with an extended time frame for making a decision, and additional teams getting involved, we have decided to move in a different direction.
“It was never our intention to get involved in a free agent bidding war, and we have to focus on our team.”
Jagr started his NHL career with the Penguins in 1990 and spent 11 years with the franchise, teaming with Mario Lemieux to help the franchise win back-to-back Stanley Cups.
He claimed five scoring titles and one Hart Trophy in Pittsburgh.
“Jaromir is one of the greatest players in Penguins history, and we wish him all the best,” said Shero.
The 39-year-old Jagr spent the last three seasons playing in Russia and is looking to return to the NHL.