Jaromir Jagr has begun his 37th season of professional hockey. The forward’s career has spanned parts of five decades. News of this emerged on Thursday afternoon.
Jaromir Jagr will play his final season of professional hockey this year for Kladno of the Czech league, per his agent.
If this is really it, what a career it’s been 🐐 pic.twitter.com/rf1UiyrR7j
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) September 19, 2024
Jaromir Jagr Will Hang Up The Skates
The 52-year old’s agent, Jaroslav Zidek, announced the news.
“Jaromir announced that this season will be his last in his career,” Zidek said. “He loves hockey very much and is in good health. That is why he continues to play. He is now the oldest athlete who continues to play hockey.”
Jagr made his decision on Wednesday before the Kladno Knights’ first game of the season. Jagr recorded a power play assist in a 5-1 loss. In addition to playing on the Knights, Jagr is also the team’s president and owner.
Age Is Just A Number
It is said Father Time is undefeated. However, it seems Jagr is the exception to the rule. Jagr’s hockey career started in 1988 in Czechoslovakia. Jagr made his NHL debut in the 1990-91 season with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
After 11 seasons in Pittsburgh, Jagr spent three seasons with the Washington Capitals and then four seasons with the New York Rangers before a brief return to Czechia. He returned to the NHL in the 2011-12 season where he played with the Philadelphia Flyers. In addition, Jagr spent the next seasons with the Dallas Stars, New Jersey Devils, and the Florida Panthers.
Jagr’s final stint in the NHL came in 2017-18 season. He signed with the Calgary Flames, but only played in 22 games before injuries ended his season in January. He returned overseas where he has played since. His final NHL goal was assisted by Johnny Gadreau, something that Jagr fondly remembers.
Final NHL Accolades
Jagr scored 766 goals, the fifth most in NHL history, and tallied 1,921 points, second most only to Wayne Gretzky. The legend is a 13-time All-Star as well as a two-time Stanley Cup champion. He won the Art Ross Trophy for leading the league in points five times. In 1999, he won the Hart Trophy as the league’s most valuable player.
Last season, Jagr’s number 68 was retired by the Penguins. It is likely more teams will follow now that Jagr’s retirement was announced. Furthermore, Jagr will be eligible for the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2028. There is no doubt the legend will be a first ballot Hall of Famer.
Main photo by: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
