There doesn't appear to be much new on the Jaromir Jagr front as of early Monday morning, but Dave Molinari of the Post-Gazette tosses some fuel on the fire that's been burning recently around rumors of the winger's return to the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The support for signing free-agent right winger Jaromir Jagr among large portions of the Penguins’ fan base really is remarkable. Not only because, among other things, Jagr will turn 40 in February and NHL teams still don’t seem to be sold on the idea that he wants to return to North America strictly because of the challenge of playing in the world’s best league, but because of the way Jagr was treated every time he returned to Pittsburgh after being traded to Washington a decade ago. One has to believe that some of the people who booed so viciously every time Jagr touched the puck when wearing a Capitals or New York Rangers [jersey] at Mellon Arena now will demand Shero’s immediate firing if he concludes that offering Jagr a contract isn’t in the best interest of his franchise.
Well, y'know, sports fans like to boo. And I think both the booing and the pining come from the same place, which is that Penguins fans wish that Jagr had stuck around. I'm not sure anyone booed because they were glad Jagr was gone. Ultimately, we'll have to see if Jagr eventually signs, but if he does, Penguins fans will welcome him back with open arms. That might seem strange, but I don't think it's contradictory. You might claim to hate your ex after she's spurned you, but if she decides she wants to you back, your tone might change dramatically.