One of the greatest careers in NHL history has come to an end.

Jaromir Jagr, former captain of the New York Rangers, has announced he’s decided to accept a two-year contract from Avangard Omsk of Russia’s Kontinental Hockey League.

He’d hoped to re-sign with the Rangers but apparently no real contract talks took place between himself and Rangers management.

Jagr has at times been a considered a moody, petulant self-centered prima donna by his critics, but there is no denying he ranks among the greatest forwards in NHL history.

He won the Hart Trophy as league MVP in 1999, the Art Ross as the leading point scorer five times, won the Pearson award three times, was a seven time first team all star, played on two Stanley Cup championships with the Pittsburgh Penguins and won an Olympic gold medal as part of the 1998 Czech Republic Men’s hockey team.

Jagr also holds 12 NHL records, including most assists by a rookie in the Stanley Cup finals (5), most regular season assists (87) and points (149) by a right wing, and 8 Rangers team records, all set in 2005-06, including most regular season goals (54), points (123), power play goals (24), shots (368) and tied with Mark Messier and Don Murdoch for most game winning goals with 9.

He finishes his NHL career with 646 goals, 953 assists and 1599 points in the regular season, and 77 goal and 181 points in 169 playoff games.

His was a Hall of Fame career and he should be a first ballot selection.

Some might feel cheated that Jagr will finish his playing career in Russia rather than the NHL, but NHL fans got to see him at his very best for most of his 17 NHL seasons, and that’s what he should be remembered for.  

With the NHL’s trade deadline fast approaching here’s my take on some players thought to be possible trade bait and who might be on the move by February 26th:

Mats Sundin: As long as the Toronto Maple Leafs have a shot at a playoff berth, he won’t waive his “no-trade” clause.

Marian Hossa: The Atlanta Thrashers are trying to re-sign him leading to speculation that if he’s not re-signed by the deadline he’ll be shopped. If the Thrashers are still in the playoff chase I suspect GM Don Waddell won’t move him, but if not, he could indeed hit the trade block.   

Alex Tanguay: His name’s popped up this past week due to media concerns about the Calgary Flames off-season cap issues, but he’s denied seeking a trade or being asked to waive his NTC. I suspect Flames GM Darryl Sutter could retain him for the upcoming playoffs and perhaps consider shopping him in the off-season.

Olli Jokinen: Ever notice that it’s Canadian-based media outlets that often report the Florida Panthers captain could be traded? Ever notice that to date they’ve yet to be right?

Rob Blake: He says he hasn’t agreed to waive his NTC or asked to waive it, but the possibility exists that this LA Kings blueliner could be playing elsewhere by February 26th.

Jaromir Jagr: If the NY Rangers were to shop him I have my doubts there’d be many takers given his low production this season and his reputation for moodiness.

Patrick Marleau: A fixture in the rumor mill since last April, his below-average stats and the expensive ($12.6 million) two year contract (with a no-trade clause) beginning next season should keep him in the Shark tank.

Dan Boyle and Vaclav Prospal: Tampa Bay Lightning GM Jay Feaster suggested that if the club fails to make a playoff push he could be forced into making some cost-cutting moves, leading to speculation impending UFAs Boyle and Prospal could be part of those moves.

Brian Campbell: He’s postponed his contract talks with the Buffalo Sabres until the off-season. That’s led to trade speculation that Sabres GM Darcy Regier rejected, claiming he hopes to re-sign Campbell. I believe him.  

Maxim Afinogenov and Dmitri Kalinin: The former has struggled offensively this season and the latter’s eligible for UFA status this summer. I wouldn’t rule out the possibility of the Sabres trying to move either guy by the deadline.

J.P. Dumont: The Nashville Predators might not have enough money available this summer to re-sign him and if they’re out of the playoff race in a month’s time could consider shopping Dumont.

Michael Ryder: The Montreal Canadiens aren’t expected to re-sign him after this season and could try to move him in the coming weeks. His sub-par production this season however could hurt his trade value.

Nikolai Khabibulin: I wouldn’t doubt Chicago Blackhawks management would love to dump the remaining year and $6.75 million on his contract, but that and his poor performance this season won’t make him enticing to anyone at this year’s deadline.  

Yanic Perreault: The Chicago Blackhawks could try to peddle this faceoff specialist to a Stanley Cup contender.

#### Tarnstrom: He’s been considered the odd man out on the Edmonton Oilers blueline, and with some teams seeking a veteran puck-moving defenceman Tarnstrom could attract some attention leading up to the deadline.

Keith Carney: This blueline veteran was a frequent scratch in the first half of this season, and he could end up shopped by the Minnesota Wild in the coming weeks.

Christian Backman: Plenty of speculation the St. Louis Blues could shop a defenceman for depth elsewhere in the roster, and Backman’s name has been floated as part of those rumors.

Bear in mind, folks, that this is only a quick observation of who might or might not be dealt. There are likely to be players that no one suspected as trade bait who could be traded by February 26th, and that most of the above-mentioned players could end up staying with their respective teams.

Feel free to chip in with names you think might be on the move by the deadline. It'll be interesting to review this list and your takes after February 26th.