Should the Penguins Sign Jaromír Jágr?

One of my all-time favorite movies is The Natural. Set during the Great Depression, it’s the inspiring story of an aging one-time phenom named Roy Hobbs emerging from the shadows of semi-pro baseball and a career tragically derailed to spur the fictitious New York Knights to the National League pennant.

Could our Penguins have the shinny version of Hobbs perched under their very noses?

Perhaps.

A couple of days ago, PP commenter Nick suggested the Pens sign Jaromír Jágr to a contract for the remainder of the season. I was still considering my response when I read about Jaromír’s exploits at our practice yesterday.

According to reports, the black-and-gold legend made quite an impression on our current group. None more than goalie Alex Nedeljkovic, beaten by a sizzling Jágr wrister right out of the chute.

“It was fast,” Nedeljkovic observed. “It was heavy. There’s a difference between hard shots and heavy shots, and he’s got a heavy shot.

“Though I don’t know how legal that curve (on his stick blade) is,” the goalie quipped.

Sounds like vintage Jags. Always pushing the boundaries.

Ned wasn’t the only one who was impressed.

“We know how good he is, but I’m surprised he’s still skating pretty well,” added Evgeni Malkin. “I’m excited to skate with him today. You know it’s a great memory for me.”

By all accounts, Jágr’s presence livened up practice and provided an adrenalin boost. Not to mention a shot of whimsy and fun.

It got me to thinking.

Why not sign Jags for the remainder of the season as Nick suggests?

Before you vow never to read PenguinPoop again, hear me out.

I think it’s safe to say our Pens as currently constructed aren’t going to win the Stanley Cup. While I’m not a betting man, I’d lay money down that we’re not going to qualify for the playoffs, either. A pretty grim prognosis, I know, with 31 games still to play and games in hand on our competition.

However, to my eye there are simply too many shortcomings, chief among them our abysmal power play and a dearth of secondary scoring.

That’s where Jágr just might help. Even at his advanced age, I suspect he still possesses the smarts, vision and puck skills to be effective on the power play. Let him use those skills, not to mention that 240-pound Mack truck of a frame, to glom onto the puck down low, in the process freeing his teammates to find the scoring lanes. Something they struggle mightily to achieve at the present.

I mean, the power play couldn’t be any worse with Jaromír than it is right now.

To say nothing of the entertainment value and fan interest a Jágr farewell tour would generate. My guess is, patrons would flock to watch the marvel play, both at PPG Paints Arena and venues around the league. Remember, Jags skated for nine different teams on this side of the pond.

Is there a precedent for a 50-something playing in the NHL?

You betcha.

“Mr. Hockey” himself, Gordie Howe (aka Superman) played a full 80-game slate for Hartford back in 1979-80 at age 51. He was productive, too, notching 15 goals and 41 points.

I’m not suggesting for a second Jágr would match Howe’s output should he return. It’s been several seasons since he put up serious numbers for Kladno, his Czech league team. His effectiveness had waned by the time he wrapped up the NHL portion of his career with the Flames back in ’17-18, some six years ago.

Obviously, at age 52 his role would need to be highly specialized (mostly power-play duty). However, his conditioning and dedication are the stuff of legend. And for a team that clearly needs a lift from somewhere, emotional and otherwise?

Jágr just might provide it.

Kudos to Sully

A shout out to Mike Sullivan for graciously encouraging Jags to participate in practice. And a belated congratulations to our skipper for his recent induction into the Beanpot Hall of Fame.