“I’m kind of afraid of it. They don’t like me here,” Jagr said. “But on the other side, I’m so honored for whatever is going to happen Sunday. I’m so honored.”
The stands at the Penguins’ practice facility were packed Saturday, so those fears could probably be put to rest. A line of fans remained down the stairs and was backed up to the door. When Jagr emerged, he was greeted with a thunderous ovation.
He remained on the ice for a few drills, listening as coach Mike Sullivan drew up something along the glass, then went to the bench after about 15 minutes.
“I know it’s going to be a special day tomorrow, so some people might know I wore 68 my entire life,” Letang said. “He was one of my favorite players growing up. I just ask him, I say, ‘Would it be possible if you could sign my jersey tomorrow?’ It’s going to have his patch. Never really had the chance to sit down and chat. I know tomorrow is going to be an emotional and a big day for him, so I didn’t want to bother him tomorrow. So, just share that little story.”
Jagr continues to play; he has four assists in 15 games this season for Kladno, the team he owns in Extraliga, the top professional league in Czechia. He didn’t look out of place in practice, Malkin said.
“Like, [he’s a] legend on ice. It’s like crazy,” Malkin said. “We know how good he is. But I’m surprised he’s still skating pretty well. I’m excited to skate today with him. Great memory for myself. Growing up, I watched how he played. It’s a great day today and, I hope, tomorrow.”
Malkin said he wouldn’t mind if Jagr’s participation went beyond practice.
“Now, we’re an older team,” Malkin said. “Maybe, now it’s time.”
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