“Excited to be a part of it,” Sidney Crosby reveals Penguins being thrilled to ‘Celebrate 68’ to commemorate Jaromir Jagr’s homecoming

Sidney Crosby has expressed his excitement to see the return of Jaromir Jagr as his number 68 gets retired in February 2024.

“Excited to be a part of it,” Sidney Crosby reveals Penguins being thrilled to ‘Celebrate 68’ to commemorate Jaromir Jagr’s homecoming

Sidney Crosby (L) and Jaromir Jagr (R) [Pic Credit: Imago/AP]

The festive season in Pittsburgh has already begun. While Christmas and New Year are still a month away, the celebrations have started for the Pittsburgh Penguins. A day ago, it was announced that their former captain and hero Jaromir Jagr will be returning to them. The veteran will be honored with his jersey number 68 being retired. Their current captain Sidney Crosby is excited to see it.

Jagr is regarded as one of the greatest Penguins players in history. The 36-year-old Crosby claimed that he was one of those players many grew up watching and were happy to see it become official. The Penguins will send his jersey number to the rafters in a pregame ceremony on February 18 when they take on the Los Angeles Kings.

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Sidney Crosby Jaromir Jagr

The players were reported to have learned about this development when they were flying home from California. As soon as the video went off, the players cheered in joy. Sidney Crosby commented on Jaromir Jagr’s number being retired.

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There was a lot of talk, so I was hoping that would be something we would be able to be a part of. He’s had some great years here, and an amazing career. I think we’re all excited to be a part of it.
Sidney Crosby

Jaromir Jagr is now set to become the third player in Penguins franchise history to see his number retired. It will no doubt be a special occasion for him and the others connected with the Penguins organization.

Sidney Crosby explains the influence of Jaromir Jagr on his career

When Sidney Crosby was at home watching the games live on TV, Jaromir Jagr was creating havoc for the opposition. To see him now being celebrated as one of the greats is something Crosby is excited about. He would explain the influence of Jagr on his career and what he liked most about the Czechia international.

He was dangerous in a lot of different ways, but I think just his shot, his ability to hold onto the puck were probably the two things that stuck out the most.
Sidney Crosby on Jaromir Jagr
Sidney Crosby (L) and Jaromir Jagr (R) [Pic Credit: Imago/AP]

The Penguins paid tribute to him in 2017 when they won back-to-back Stanley Cups. Jagr, who won two Stanley Cups with the team, was captured in an iconic picture with their now-owner, Mario Lemieux. Crosby and Evgeni Malkin would recreate that legendary photo of Jagr and Lemieux, thus showing the status he held with the team.

It is likely that Crosby will himself one day see his number retired. Until then, the fans would be hoping for the days to come faster as they get ready to celebrate the homecoming of one of their greatest players.

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