Penguins Near Deal With Jagr

All-Star wing Jaromir Jagr says only minor details need to be worked out in the $48 million, six-year contract he expects to sign as early as this weekend.

“There’s just some very little things that have to be changed,” Jagr, 26, said. “But I feel like I’m going to sign it.”

The contract is comparable to the two-year $8.5 million-a-year deals signed recently by Anaheim’s Paul Kariya and Philadelphia’s Eric Lindros.

The contract would be the richest in Penguins history. Mario Lemieux agreed to a $42 million, seven-year contract in 1993, but he retired before completing the contract.

“This is what I’ve worked for, and this is where I want to play,” Jagr said.

Around the league

The Buffalo Sabres picked up the option year on Dominik Hasek’s contract. Hasek, who signed a two-year deal plus an option in 1995, is scheduled to earn about $4 million this season and the same amount next year. … The New York Islanders agreed to pay former right wing Brett Lindros $5.6 million to settle his dispute with the team over his forced medical retirement, people close to the negotiations told Bloomberg News.

On the ice

Rookie Andrew Brunette continued to roll with his first third-period game-winner - and ninth goal in as many games - as the Washington Capitals beat the Chicago Blackhawks 3-2 Thursday night in Washington.

At Buffalo, N.Y., Jason Dawe scored twice in 15 seconds during a four-goal second period as the Buffalo Sabres beat the Vancouver Canucks 6-2.