Jaromir Jagr wasnt totally surprised that Michael Nylander was released from training camp.
He admitted its hard to get a read on a player who was on a tryout when that player has missed four preseason games with a groin pull.The idea when the Flyers brought Nylander in camp was to see if he could re-create the chemistry he once had in New York and Washington with Jagr.
Nylander didnt play a game and was injured for several of the key practices.
I didnt even know he was released; I thought he was going to play tomorrow, Jagr said, referring to the Flyers exhibition against the Rangers. He was ready to playSometimes things happen.
Its tough for him because he didnt get the chance. We played four games and he was injured. Just the wrong time. Maybe for him, this will be the best thing. Maybe someone will call him and offer him a job.
General manager Paul Holmgren said he told Nylander if he were interested in joining the Phantoms at the AHL level, that could be arranged.
Holmgren said it was emotionally tough to tell Nylander he was being released because the team never got a chance to make a proper evaluation of him.
NHL
He never really got a chance to show what he can do, Holmgren said.
Fellow center Adam Mair was also released. He played one preseason game.
Both players were bucking huge odds given the overcrowded Flyers roster at forward, particularly, down the middle.
E-mail Tim Panaccio at tpanotch@comcast.net