NHL/SOCCER: July 27, 2005

Czech winger Jaromir Jagr is weighing his options for next season after the NHL's new labor agreement limited his earning potential with the New York Rangers. A strong critic of the deal--under which no player can earn more than 20 percent of the $39 million salary cap set for each of the NHL's 30 teams--Jagr is considering playing in Russia instead. -- Chicago Tribune

Anaheim Mighty Ducks general manager Brian Burke would be willing to part with the No. 2 pick at Saturday's NHL entry draft in Ottawa -- for a price. That price hasn't been met by the seven teams that have contacted Burke since the Ducks, in last Friday's draft lottery, won the right to pick second. But he said there's still time. -- Detroit Free Press

Gerry Desjardins and his NHL contemporaries are shedding no tears over the new deflated goalie mode. Nope, the guys who performed with 10-inch pads, baseball gloves for catchers and steno books for blockers aren't troubled to see current goalies getting a slim-down order. "Everything got so big, the jersey, the pants, the glove," the 10-year NHL veteran said. "Heck, with that basket on your hand, you don't have to catch a puck any more." -- London Free Press

The Ottawa Senators are hanging on to Dominik Hasek. General manager John Muckler announced Wednesday that the NHL team has exercised its one-year option on the 40-year-old goaltender. Hasek is due to make $2.28 million US this season. -- Edmonton Sun

Defensemen Chris Pronger, Scott Niedermayer, Sergei Gonchar, Derian Hatcher and Bryan McCabe are all listed on the first or second all-star team in the past two years there was hockey played. In a few days, all five could be available to the highest bidder as National Hockey League teams wrap up buyouts, get their houses in order and head toward the start of unrestricted free agent signings this Monday. -- Toronto Star

Detroit Red Wings general manager Ken Holland says he will meet with Steve Yzerman this week in Toronto to discuss the 40-year-old forward's future with the team. "I want Steve to play this year," Holland said yesterday. "I still think he's got some great hockey in him.'' -- Toronto Star

The Buffalo News reports that star winger Miro Satan, a restricted free agent, won't be back with the team. The Sabres, according to the newspaper, will either trade him this week or simply not tender him a qualifying offer of $3.8 million. -- Toronto Star

Major League Soccer suspended New England Revolution defender Joe Franchino for two games for a committing a serious foul and Kansas City Wizards defender Nick Garcia received the same penalty Tuesday for swinging his elbow at an opponent. Each player was also fined $500. -- Chicago Tribune

Wednesday at 8 p.m., it will get to see how that stacks up against powerhouse AC Milan, the Italian club that was runner-up in the elite European Cup. "Look, AC Milan is one of the best teams in the world," Fire captain and longtime U.S. national team midfielder Chris Armas said. "The Chicago Fire is not. That's pretty simple." -- Chicago Tribune

He has changed his tactics, he has changed his pre-season plans and now Sir Alex Ferguson has changed his approach ahead of the most important season of his Manchester United career. In a bid to combat the placid, academic style of Arsenal's Arsene Wenger and the super-confidence of Chelsea's Jose Mourinho, the fiery Scot is opting for the gentle touch with his class of 2005. It's a far cry from the Nineties and Fergie's infamous 'hair-dryer' blasts of anger with which he intimidated his players. David Beckham, Ryan Giggs and Jaap Stam all felt the wrath of the United boss in the dressing room whenever they transgressed on or off the pitch. --The Mirror ( UK