PITTSBURGH -- Jaromir Jagr had a chance to see his replacement in action up close on Monday.

Kris Beech, acquired by the Pittsburgh Penguins as part of the blockbuster trade that sent Jagr to the Washington Capitals, skated on a line with Mario Lemieux during Monday's practice session.

Lemieux replaced Jagr as captain of the Penguins, a position Jagr held from 1998 until he was traded in July.

It looks as though Beech, Lemieux and Stephane Richer will team up on the first line when the Penguins open the season on Wednesday against the defending Stanley Cup champion Colorado Avalanche at home. Jagr was there to watch. The former Penguin received permission from the Capitals to miss a team event and visit his former team -- and get a look at his replacement.

Beech, 20, has limited NHL experience, playing in four games for the Capitals last season. Jagr has 439 goals in his 11-year career, including 52 last season.

Signed Tuesday, Richer has 407 goals and 384 assists in 986 regular-season games, recording 50-goal seasons for Montreal in 1987-88 and 1989-90.

While he clearly has lost a step in recent seasons, Richer showed enough in training camp to earn a contract with the Penguins.

"Stephane was very impressive during training camp and we think he'll be a great addition to our team," general manager Craig Patrick said.

Richer has played in 131 postseason contests, totaling 53 goals and 45 assists. He won the Stanley Cup with Montreal in 1986 and New Jersey in 1995.

On Tuesday, the Penguins claimed defenseman John Jakopin on waivers from Florida and formally signed free-agent forward Richer to a contract.

The Penguins will start the season without two of their top defensemen, Hans Jonsson (broken right ankle) and Janne Laukkanen (knee).

Jakopin, 26, split last season between the Panthers and their top farm club, and had one goal and two assists in 60 games with Florida.