The New York Rangers again might be tipping the trading scales.

	Jagr

Citing multiple NHL sources, the Washington Post and the New York Daily News both reported that the Capitals and Rangers are conducting "deep talks" involving winger Jaromir Jagr, though a deal is not expected to be completed during Saturday's NHL entry draft as was first hoped.

Sources told the newspapers that Capitals general manager George McPhee and Rangers GM Glen Sather have talked since arriving in Nashville during the week, and the trade could depend on Jagr's willingness to bend on his contract terms.

According to the Daily News, the Rangers are trying to deal two other high-priced players -- forward Pavel Bure and center Eric Lindros -- and Sather has said New York might trade a few restricted free agents. One of those players could be Anson Carter, whom the Capitals have coveted for quite some time.

Jagr, meanwhile, has five guaranteed years, worth $55 million, left on his contract with an option year worth $11 million. According to the reports, the Ranges want Jagr to waive the final year of his deal, which has a vesting option for statistical incentives. The sources also told the Post that the two teams are trying to figure out how much of Jagr's deal Washington would assume.

The talks lasted into the night and continued Sunday, the Post reported, with financial issues still the main sticking point but the prospects for a deal very good.

Jagr was acquired from the Pittsburgh Penguins for three prospects in 2001and has not asked for a trade. But the five-time scoring champ has not flourished in Washington, and McPhee's desire to deal Jagr is no secret. Jagr and Caps rookie coach Bruce Cassidy have also had a tense relationship.

While Jagr might be hesitant to change his deal, the lure of New York might sway the winger. When Pittsburgh was planning to trade him in 2001, Jagr had expected to be traded to the Rangers, who heavily courted the winger.

But with the collective-bargaining agreement set to expire in September 2004, there are expectations of a salary cap and the Rangers could be reluctant to add any more long-term deals. Bobby Holik (four years, $35.4M left) and Darius Kasparaitis (five years, $21.4M left) are already on the Blueshirts' roster.

Jagr, one of the game's most prolific scorers, has fallen below the mark he set with the Penguins. He averaged 115 points over his last six seasons with the Penguins, but has averaged just 78 points in his two seasons with the Caps.

The Rangers, who still have yet to hire a new head coach, have missed the playoffs for six straight seasons. Sather, who took over as interim coach after firing Bryan Trottier last season, interviewed former Devils coach Larry Robinson this week before heading to Nashville.