Penguins Trying to Hire Franchise Icon

PITTSBURGH – The reunion between the Pittsburgh Penguins and franchise icon Jaromir Jagr has been one of the biggest highlights of the 2023-24 season. Jagr’s jersey retirement and his presence at the Mario Lemieux Fantasy Camp have opened questions about his involvement with the Penguins moving forward.

During a press conference before retiring his jersey, Jagr stated that Pittsburgh and the Penguins were always his hockey home. He also mentioned that he must retire from playing with his professional team in Czechia before he can make any future plans. At 51 years old, he says he will see what happens at the end of the season.

According to Josh Yohe of the Athletic, the Penguins hope to hire Jagr in some way, shape, or form in the near future.

“The Penguins want Jagr to be an employee moving forward,” Yohe writes. “I’m not sure what role. I think they’ll take what they can get.”

Yohe noted that the more involved Jagr can be with the Penguins, the better. Jagr has front-office experience, as he also owns the team he plays for in Czechia.

Jagr has been the majority owner of the Kladno Knights since 2011.

Penguins president and general manager Kyle Dubas has spent a fair bit of time with Jagr while he’s been in town. Perhaps Dubas is gauging Jagr’s interest level in joining the Penguins in some sort of front-office role.

Dubas has hired a few former players for the Penguins’ front office already, and Jagr doesn’t seem totally out of the question.