‘I can see the God in him’: Jaromir Jagr believes Connor McDavid has been touched by a higher power

After racking up 766 goals and 1921 points in 1733 NHL games — good enough for fourth, second and fourth all-time, respectively — his time in Czechia post-NHL retirement has seen him continue to produce, scoring 36 goals and 102 points in 189 games across eight seasons.

McDavid would need to play another 15 NHL seasons to chase down Jagr in terms of games played. If he continued to average the 1.5 points per game that he has up to this point in his career, averaging 71 games per season, he could catch Jagr sometime in the 2031-32 season — something well within his grasp.

And given how long Jagr has been able to play professionally, he was also asked about guys like Corey Perry, 40, and Brad Marchand, 37, and what’s allowed them to continue to play at such a high level.

“I feel like the league was lot tougher before, harder because it was a more physical game. Now, it’s more speedy,” Jagr said. “But if you’re a good skater, you don’t get tired skating up and down. It’s tougher in playoffs. That’s why I feel like it was a tougher game (when Marchand and Perry entered the NHL), because there was a lot of one-on-one battles.

“The rules and everything changed. It’s more speed. Nobody can hook you; nobody can hold you. But if you’re a good skater, it’s easier. It’s quicker, but it’s easier. You don’t get tired as much. Those guys, they were built for the tougher game a long time ago. As long as they can keep up the speed, they should have an advantage.”

Now, the Oilers are hoping that McDavid can channel his inner “McJesus” and help lift the team to it’s first Stanley Cup since 1990.