Jaromír Jágr, a legendary figure in professional hockey, is set to conclude an extraordinary career that has spanned decades. At 52 years old, Jágr has been playing in his native Czech Republic since 2018 after finishing his 24th season in the NHL. Recently, he confirmed that the upcoming season will be his last, marking the end of an era in hockey history.
Jágr made his NHL debut in 1990 with the Pittsburgh Penguins after being the fifth overall pick in that year’s draft. He initially played for Poldi SONP Kladno before moving to the NHL. Today, he owns and plays for the Kladno Knights, the rebranded version of his former team. His career in the NHL was marked by a consistent presence until 2004, after which he played overseas during the league’s lockout and continued his journey through various teams.
After a stint in the KHL, Jágr returned to the NHL in 2011, playing for the Philadelphia Flyers for seven seasons before returning to Czech Republic hockey. The 2024-25 season will be a significant milestone, as it marks his 37th season in professional hockey, showcasing his enduring presence in the sport.
In his previous season, Jágr faced challenges, appearing in only 15 games without scoring a goal, though he managed four assists. His impressive career statistics include 1,921 points in the NHL, making him the second-highest scorer in league history, just behind Wayne Gretzky. Jágr has won multiple championships, including two Stanley Cups, and has represented his country on the Olympic stage.
Among his numerous records, Jágr holds the highest number of game-winning goals and has set benchmarks for right-wingers in both goals and assists. His legacy includes the longest gap between Stanley Cup appearances and being the oldest player to score a hat trick in the NHL at 42 years old. As he prepares to hang up his skates, Jágr’s impact on the game remains profound, leaving behind a storied legacy.
