Prelude to More? Penguins Welcome Jaromir Jagr into Locker Room, Arena

Jaromir Jagr was in the Pittsburgh Penguins locker room Sunday.

An autograph signing session in Monroeville brought early 1990s Pittsburgh Penguins stars back to the area, including a couple of big surprises. Jagr joined a few of his 1991-92 teammates, including goalie Tom Barrasso, defenseman Paul Coffey, and GM Craig Patrick were the others to sign autographs.

While getting the reclusive Barrasso to an autograph signing might seem a big deal, getting Jagr from Czechia was a bigger deal. Jagr still owns the Kladano team and plays on a part-time basis.

According to the Facebook post, Penguins president of business operations Kevin Acklin took Jagr around PPG Paints Arena Sunday, including the locker room where a Jagr jersey hung in a locker stall with a framed newspaper page nearby.

Acklin and Penguins broadcaster Paul Steigerwald posted the pictures on Facebook.

Jaromir Jagr is neither in the Penguins Ring of Honor nor is his iconic No. 68 retired. PHN’s Dave Molinari has reported the organization will remedy one or both when the star finally retires. After leading the Penguins for four years following Mario Lemieux’s retirement, finances forced the team to trade Jagr to the Washington Capitals for Kris Beech, Michel Sivek, Ross Lupaschuk, and significant cash.

Editor’s Note: We amended the story to reference Molinari’s report.

Jagr finished his NHL career as the second all-time leading scorer. He played in 1733 games and scored 766 goals with nine teams. His NHL career ended in 2017-18 with the Calgary Flames.