Jaromir Jagr, Martin Straka and Martin Rucinsky have all "Czeched" out of the National Hockey League, while Jan Hlavac remains in free agency limbo.While all these former members of the New York Rangers Czech Connection from a few years ago are leaving, another one is trying to come back.
The New York Rangers today announced that Petr Nedved will be given a training camp tryout.
Nedved was done when he left the NHL in 2007, though he did put up a 20 goal season with Sparta Praha in the Czech league last year.
There is no way he will bump Scott Gomez or Chris Drury off of the top two lines. And most would agree Nedved would not make much of a 4th line center.
"It's pure tryout for me - make a team or leave," Nedved said. "I'm no fool. I know I'm not coming there to tear down the first line. And sure, I'm not coming to accept a marginal role as a fourth-line player. But I believe I'm still capable to play third line there."
But the third line role has to be all but sewn up for Jagr's last running mate Brandon Dubinsky. Dubinsky clicked well with Jagr, but now has to find a way to contribute without #68. Perhaps the Rangers are considering moving Dubinsky to the wing?
Rumors persist that the Rangers have interest in Mats Sundin, although it would have to be for a discounted price in order to fit him under the salary cap that still has yet to include Brendan Shanahan.
Nedved's invite either completely dismisses the possibility of Sundin coming to New York or suggests something bigger is in the works. I'd bet on the first of those two possibilities.
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