Former Bruin Reveals This Teammate Was The Reason He Didn't Re-Sign

Jaromir Jagr's decision to join the Philadelphia Flyers on the opening day of free agency in 2011 came as a shock to many hockey fans.

After spending three seasons playing in Russia, Jagr had the chance to return to the NHL with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

However, he surprised everyone by signing a one-year contract worth $3.3 million with their Pennsylvania rivals. In a recent interview with Tom Gulitti of NHL.com, Jagr shed light on his thought process.

He expressed concerns about his potential role with the Penguins, fearing he might not get enough ice time behind stars like Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. Consequently, he opted for Philadelphia, where the team's major trades had created an environment where he felt he would have a fair chance to showcase his skills.


Furthermore, Jagr reflected on the changing landscape of the NHL, acknowledging that players like Crosby and Malkin were ushering in a new era. He mentioned how Crosby's emergence might have influenced Mario Lemieux's decision to come out of retirement in 2000, highlighting the passing of the torch from one generation to the next.


Jagr's jersey retirement ceremony in Pittsburgh will mark a significant moment in his illustrious career. Despite playing for various teams over his 24 seasons in the NHL, including the Penguins where he won two Stanley Cups, earned the Hart Trophy, and claimed the Art Ross Trophy multiple times, Jagr's impact on the sport is undeniable. As he takes leave from playing for Kladno, the team he owns in Czechia's Extraliga, to celebrate this milestone, he looks forward to reuniting with former teammates and sharing this special moment with hockey fans in Pittsburgh.

As seen on hockeyfeed
NHL players in this story
Evgeni Malkin
Sidney Crosby