Jaromir Jagr makes official statement on hockey future

Living legend Jaromir Jagr has added yet another championship to his impressive resume after his hometown Kladno Knights defeated HC Dukla Jihlava 5-2 in the Czech second division to earn a league championship and a promotion to the top-tier Czech Extraliga. 

The guy is unstoppable. But is he? 

While this new championship causes for celebration, there’s some belief out there that Jagr may now in fact be done with professional hockey and retire.

The chatter makes sense:  at 49 years old he just put up 10 points in 16 playoff games to win a league championship with his hometown team. Oh… and he happens to be the owner of the team. But, let’s not forget that he is : 49 YEARS OLD. 

But Jagr is set on playing professional hockey into his 50s as he’s made the official statement that he is not looking to retire: 

“I believe I still have it in me,” Jagr told NHL.com’s Michael Langr. “It is all just about working hard and putting more effort. I have to practice harder and avoid gaining weight.”

He believes he needs to keep playing for his ownership duties as he battles what he views as a diminished skill set.

Say what??? 

“The main reason I am still playing is my responsibility to the club,” Jagr added. “If I did not have any, I would not be flying around on the ice here. Because I am embarrassing myself there, I can say.

“I expect much more from myself and I don’t have it. But I am aware that when I leave, many (business) partners will leave the team, too. That’s why I have no choice.”

Jagr, who has won two Stanley Cups, an MVP, five scoring titles, and an Olympic gold medal, last played in the NHL with the Calgary Flames for a brief stint back in 2017-18. 

There is no doubt that as soon as he hangs up the skates, he will be a lock for first-ballot Hall of Fame enshrinement. 

But the time has not come yet!