Hockey legend Jaromir Jagr took the ice one more time with the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday morning, joining the team’s practice the day before his No. 68 jersey is retired by the franchise.
Videos surfaced Saturday morning of Jagr joining the team at their morning practice. Jagr shot pucks and skated alongside the likes of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang.
Check out the awesome clip below:
Jaromir Jagr takes the ice for @penguins practice! @68Jagr pic.twitter.com/oH3Ii9aqrJ
— Josh Getzoff (@JG_PxP) February 17, 2024
Jagr’s return to Pittsburgh has been the talk of the town and social media, with fans excited to celebrate the Penguins icon this weekend. On X, “#Jagr” and “One More Shift” were trending as fans shared their enthusiasm for seeing the 52-year-old skate alongside current stars Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.
Crosby and Jagr never played together, but they got to share some laughs on the ice The Penguins tweeted out a photo of Jagr and Crosby, with the caption, “Legends only”
Legends only. pic.twitter.com/BNZhNg9TWw
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) February 17, 2024
The practice had a light, fun atmosphere as Jagr joined in several drills, showcasing his legendary skill and strength. In one moment that delighted fans, Jagr split the defense and scored top shelf on goalie Alex Nedeljkovic.
Poor Alex Nedeljkovic: pic.twitter.com/D3XCpFzewf
— Seth Rorabaugh (@SethRorabaugh) February 17, 2024
“His shot is still a rocket,” laughed Nedeljkovic. “He put it right under the bar before I could react.”
Jagr’s return has healed old wounds between him and the Penguins franchise after his departure in 2001. Both sides are looking forward to celebrating Jagr’s historic Pittsburgh career, where he won two Stanley Cups alongside Mario Lemieux in the early 90s.
“You could see the joy on Jagr’s face being back in Pittsburgh,” said coach Mike Sullivan. “I think this weekend will give him some closure after how things ended last time.”
The Penguins will officially retire Jagr’s No. 68 jersey on Sunday evening before their game against the Los Angeles Kings. A banner honoring Jagr will be raised to the rafters of PPG Paints Arena, joining Lemieux (66) and Michel Briere (21) as the only numbers retired by the franchise.
Jagr still plays professionally at age 52 for his hometown club HC Kladno in the Czech Republic league. After Saturday’s practice, he hinted that pulling on a Penguins sweater again may have given him the itch to return to the NHL.
“I feel good, like I’m 30 years old out there,” smiled Jagr. “Maybe I come back and play for Penguins next season if they need veteran winger.”
Based on Saturday’s outpouring of affection between Jagr, the fans, and his former team, the Penguins just may take him up on the offer for one last shift.