After arguably one of the most anticipated free agent signings in recent memory, the Pittsburgh Penguins have withdrawn their offer to future NHL Hall of Famer Jaromir Jagr. Jagr was reportedly offered a 1 year $2 million deal in order to return to the NHL to finish out an already illustrious career.
Jagr is a very polarizing figure within Pittsburgh sports, not only due to the arguments over whether he should return to the team, but also due to his changing role from rookie phenom and fan favorite staring on two Stanley Cup teams to a player who left the Penguins in a less than admirable way. Pittsburghers have been deeply divided over Jagr's place in local sports lore, but his comments stating that "his heart was in Pittsburgh" and then not signing have left a bad taste in many peoples' mouths as he has yet to determine for certain if and where he will play during the 2011-2012 season.
Regardless of the various emotions and opinions of Jagr's maturity, age, level of play, and possible contributions he could have made to the Penguins one thing is for sure: Jaromir Jagr will go down in history as one of the greatest players to play both in all of Pittsburgh sports and in the NHL. I would have loved to see Jagr back in a Penguins uniform and I am disappointed that he will not be playing here. I do not hold anything against him for not signing and feel that this has no reflection on his value to a team. I hope that Jagr does well wherever he plays and continues to build his already great legacy as an elite hockey player.
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