Pittsburgh Penguins Announce Jagr Jersey Retirement in February
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The Pittsburgh Penguins announced on Friday that the team will be hosting a “Celebrate 68” event and retiring Jaromir Jagr’s jersey on February 18. Jagr spent the first 11 seasons of his NHL career with the Penguins, and the following 13 split between eight others — Washington Capitals, New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers, Dallas Stars, Boston Bruins, New Jersey Devils, Florida Panthers, and Calgary Flames.
The Czech forward is one of the most iconic stars in NHL history and has plenty of awards and honors on his resume to prove it. He won back-to-back Stanley Cups, is a 10-time All Star, five-time Art Ross Trophy winner, member of the Triple Gold Club, three-time Ted Lindsay award winner, Hart Trophy recipient, named one of the NHL’s 100 Best Players, and sits behind Wayne Gretzky for the second-most amount of career points among all NHL players.
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Since Jagr last played in the NHL six seasons ago, this jersey retirement seems like it has been quite a long time coming. The winger played the best hockey of his ongoing career with the Penguins and this celebration should have been a no-brainer. Nearly 47% of his total games played were in Iron City and he racked up 439 goals, 640 assists, and 1,079 total points while there.
As many current players describe Jagr as the “ageless wonder” and “living legend,” it makes perfect sense as to why the Penguins are now honoring him in a proper way. He not only is an icon in that city, but for the entire NHL. February 18 will not just be another regular season matchup for the Pittsburgh Penguins and Los Angeles Kings, it will be a day to “Celebrate 68” and honor his historic career.
