NHL Free Agency Buzz: Front runners for Jagr; Jokinen, Upshall to hit open market

Jagr in talks with Habs, Red Wings

The two front runners emerging in the Jaromir Jagr sweepstakes appear to be the Montreal Canadiens and Detroit Red Wings.

Jagr's agent Petr Svoboda tells ESPN's Pierre LeBrun that the Montreal Canadiens and Detroit Red Wings are among team's they have spoken with. Montreal has been at the top of Jagr's wishlist for sometime, due to his close relationship with Tomas Plekanec.

What remains to be seen is how interested in Montreal is. The Red Wings, meanwhile, are exploring the possibility.

Red Wings GM Ken Holland tells LeBrun that talks with Jagr's camp are just preliminary at this point.

It appears Jagr's previous agents at the NHL level, JP Barry and Pat Brisson are not involved in these negotiations.

Reportedly, Jagr has also contacted the Washington Capitals and New York Rangers.

The Penguins remain not interested.

Jokinen, Upshall expected to hit the open market

Two intriguing wingers that might be of interest to Penguins fans, who are not expected to be retained by their respective teams before July 1....