Penguins Notebook: Jagr likely to remain in KHL
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Former Penguins captain Jaromir Jagr has not played in the NHL since 2008.
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Although there has been some speculation that Jaromir Jagr might return to play for the Penguins, the prolific winger apparently is much closer to remaining in the Kontinental Hockey League next season.
A couple of people with knowledge of Jagr's status said Saturday he has had talks with teams in the Russian league -- including SKA St. Petersburg -- about a contract for 2011-12, and that, at age 39, he has not seriously considered an NHL comeback.
SKA St. Petersburg recently hired well known Czech coach Milos Riha.
Jagr won two Stanley Cups, five NHL scoring titles and a league MVP award with the Penguins. He has not played in the NHL since his contract with the New York Rangers ended after the 2007-08 season.
His contract with Avangard Omsk of the KHL recently expired. He has helped the Czech Republic reach the bronze medal game today against Russia at the International Ice Hockey Federation world championships in Slovakia.
In response to suggestions from season ticket-holders during the Penguins' first season in Consol Energy Center, the team will replace the metal railings that line the upper level with tempered glass.
"That's our big offseason project," said Tom McMillan, team vice president of communications.
McMillan said the railings affected the view of some fans in the lowest rows of the upper level. The changeover should be completed before the start of the 2011-12 season.
Allan Walsh, who represents Penguins wingers Pascal Dupuis and Mike Rupp, said by email that he has not spoken with general manager Ray Shero about the two, but that he expects "to begin discussions in the near future."
Dupuis and Rupp are eligible for unrestricted free agency if not re-signed by July 1.
First Published May 15, 2011 12:00 am
