According to the Czech-language news website blesk.cz, Jaromir Jagr is mulling a final retirement from hockey. The 50-year-old owner of the Kladno Knights is finally putting serious consideration into hanging up the skates for good.
When asked about a potential comeback Jagr explained why it’s a hard decision, “It’s hard to explain. At my age, playing at any level is challenging. Prepare, motivate. Not to mention the need for rest…”
Jagr played the last five seasons with Kladno with a dual role as the owner and player simultaneously. Years ago, he made it clear that he intends to play until he’s 50 and then he’ll retire.
Over the last five seasons, Jagr played 109 games for Kladno, scoring 26 goals and 68 points, en route to leading the team into the top Czech league.
Jagr is still considering the possibility of a hockey comeback but he ultimately hasn’t made his decision yet, “It’s possible (I won’t play). Like I say, I’ll see how it goes with the Winter Classic. Maybe I’d get a kick out of it, but I don’t even feel like it at the moment.”
Jagr ranks second all-time in NHL history with 1,921 points, behind only Wayne Gretzky. He had a long NHL career, spanning three decades from his rookie season in Pittsburgh in the early 1990s until his final season with the Calgary Flames in 2017-18.
Known for his longevity, Jagr was one of the best players in NHL history and will certainly be a first-ballot Hall of Famer when he decides to retire. He ranks fourth all-time in games played and goals. He was recently overtaken by Alex Ovechkin in the goals category.
Asked what it would take to play another season of hockey Jagr knows it won’t be easy, “I would have to sacrifice a lot. Diet, regeneration, training.”
More must-reads: