This isn’t about sentimental value, even though sentiment would be heavy.

This isn’t about reliving past glory, even though the glory was substantial.

This isn’t about transforming the hero-turned-villain into a hero again, even though it would.

No, Penguins general manager Ray Shero’s only job is to produce the best roster the salary cap will permit before the 2011-12 season begins.

So, ask yourself these questions.

Would a right wing help the Penguins cause• Given that Craig Adams and Nick Johnson are the only right wings currently under contract for next season, the answer is an fairly strong yes.

Would the ninth-leading scorer in NHL history help one of the league’s worst power plays• Well, Zarley Zalapski would help at this point, but yes, it can conclusively be determined that adding such a proven scorer would only help the power play.

Does Evgeni Malkin deserve to have a legitimate winger by his side• I should certainly hope so. The Penguins organization has gone out of its way to get Sidney Crosby wingers over the years. Which wingers have been paired with Malkin• Recently, the answers are Alexei Ponikarovsky, Ruslan Fedotenko and Max Talbot. Seriously, isn’t it about time the Penguins look out for Malkin• And wouldn’t a player of similar talent, style and vision fit nicely on Malkin’s wing• Yes, of course.

There are many reasons to bring Jaromir Jagr back to the Penguins, and only one really matters. Jagr would instantly turn the Penguins into a better team.

All this talk about retaining role players such as Mike Rupp, Pascal Dupuis and Max Talbot is hogwash.

The Penguins didn’t win the 2009 Stanley Cup because of role players. Yes, Talbot played a magnificent Game 7 in Detroit, but let’s not ignore the big picture. The Penguins won the Stanley Cup because of Crosby, Malkin and Marc-Andre Fleury.

Role players are nice, but stars win championships. Jagr is no longer a superstar, but he might still be a star. The Penguins have always been about star power. From Mario Lemieux and Jagr to Crosby and Malkin, the organization thrives when it possesses the brightest stars. Adding a player of Jagr’s skills only makes sense.

Disparaging talk of Jagr’s infamous 2001 exit is foolish. It was a decade ago. Were you a different person a decade ago• You probably were. Jagr clearly has matured. Speculation that his moody history will resurface and cause problems in the locker room is outrageous. The Penguins of the Crosby era are so positive and so close that, even if a surly Jagr surfaced, he would not destroy this team.

Here’s a final question: If not Jagr, who else will help fill the void at right wing?

Take a look at the free-agent class available this summer, and you won’t see a lot of talent. Jagr is better than every free agent available, and he’ll work on a one-year deal. It’s perfect. The future is now for the Penguins. They don’t need to give 39-year-old players lengthy deals, but in a 12-month span, Jagr can most certainly help.

It doesn’t make sense for Shero to spend all his available money on the Penguins’ current role players.

Ultimately, it would be wise to bring back Dupuis or Rupp. They’re both solid players, but come on. The Penguins don’t need more role players. If anything, they have too many. Matt Cooke, Chris Kunitz, Mark Letestu, Johnson and Adams are all role players of varying levels of talent.

What the Penguins need is sizzle. Last season’s team showcased far too many plumbers and not enough talent. When Crosby and Malkin went down with injuries, no skill remained.

Jagr is the only answer. He gives the Penguins what they need. He gives Shero what he needs. He gives Malkin what he needs. This story is almost too good to be true, but it isn’t.

It needs to happen.

Jagr clearly feels like he has something to prove, and despite all his quirks, he is not lazy. He needs the Penguins, and the Penguins need him.

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