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DAVID ZALUBOWSKI/Associated Press

While some team captains have earned the distinction by their leadership ability and willingness to sacrifice for the benefit of the team, others are select only because, as the team's best player, not being named captain would be considered an insult.

In the case of Jaromir Jagr's tenure as captain, the later definitely proved to be the case. Following the retirement of Mario Lemieux and the departure of Ron Francis, Jagr assumed the role as team captain by default.

Although he would lead the NHL in scoring for each of his four years as captain, he was never able to lead the Pens deep into the playoffs and always seemed to be at odds with teammates or coaches.

Despite the best efforts of the Pens to accommodate him by firing head coach Kevin Constantine and surrounding him with fellow Czechs Josef Beranek, Jiri Slegr, Jan Hrdina, Martin Straka, Robert Lang, Michal Rozsival and renowned coach Ivan Hlinka, Jagr never seemed satisfied.

When Lemieux returned in December of 2000, Jagr, perhaps unwilling to share the limelight or the leadership role, demanded a trade out of Pittsburgh and was dealt to the Washington Capitals for three prospects—none of which made any significant contributions at the NHL level.

Rumors swirled in 2011 about a possible return to Pittsburgh, but the deal fell apart, as Jagr's demands proved excessive and his reputation as a toxic presence in the locker room convinced the Pens to pull their offer. Jagr opted to sign with the Philadelphia Flyers.

Much like Alexander Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals, Jagr's talent cannot be denied, but his tenure as the team captain proves that great players don't always make great leaders.