Jaromir has announced that this will be his final season in his career,” Zidek stated. “He has a deep passion for hockey and is in great health, which is why he continues to play. He is currently the oldest active player in the sport.
Jagr made his announcement on Wednesday, just before the Kladno Knights’ opening game of the season. He contributed a power play assist in a 5-1 defeat. Alongside his playing role, Jagr also serves as the president and owner of the Knights.
While it’s often said that Father Time is unbeatable, Jagr appears to defy that notion. His hockey journey began in 1988 in Czechoslovakia, and he made his NHL debut during the 1990-91 season with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
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
After 11 seasons in Pittsburgh, Jagr played three years with the Washington Capitals and four with the New York Rangers, before briefly returning to Czechia. He came back to the NHL in the 2011-12 season with the Philadelphia Flyers, and subsequently played for the Dallas Stars, New Jersey Devils, and Florida Panthers in the following seasons.
Jagr’s final NHL season was in 2017-18 when he signed with the Calgary Flames. However, he only played 22 games before injuries cut his season short in January. He then returned to Europe, where he has continued to play. He fondly remembers that his last NHL goal was assisted by Johnny Gaudreau.
Final NHL Achievements
Jagr finished his career with 766 goals, ranking fifth in NHL history, and amassed 1,921 points, second only to Wayne Gretzky. He is a 13-time All-Star and a two-time Stanley Cup champion. Additionally, he won the Art Ross Trophy for leading the league in points five times and earned the Hart Trophy as the league’s most valuable player in 1999.
Last season, the Penguins retired his number 68, and it’s likely other teams will follow suit now that Jagr has announced his retirement. He will also be eligible for the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2028, and there’s no doubt he will be a first ballot inductee.
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