For the longest time it appeared as though Father Time was willing to extend a free pass to Czechia superstar Jaromir Jagr.

However, it looks as though time will remain undefeated, as the 54-year-old Jagr recently indicated that it would take “a miracle” for him to return to professional hockey next season.

Jagr is currently a member of his hometown Kladno Knights in the Czech League. Remarkably, he is in his 38th season of professional hockey.

It is a rare occurrence to witness hockey players employed in the professional ranks in their 40s, and even in their late 30s. The fact that Jagr has maintained a professional hockey career that has nearly stretched four decades is nothing short of spectacular.

Jagr concluded his decorated NHL career in 2017-18 with the Calgary Flames, after skating in 1,733 regular season games, notching 766 goals and a jaw dropping 1,921 points. He sits second all time in NHL points, only trailing “The Great One” Wayne Gretzky’s 2,857 career points.

Jagr broke into the league in 1990-91, and captured the Stanley Cup in two consecutive seasons with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

He also suited up for the Washington Capitals, New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers, Dallas Stars, Boston Bruins, New Jersey Devils, Florida Panthers and the Flames.

The former first round pick, fifth overall to the Penguins in the 1990 NHL Entry Draft, accumulated no shortage of hardware during his NHL career. He won five Art Ross Trophies, three Lester B. Pearson Trophies, a Bill Masterton Trophy, and a Hart Memorial Trophy. He also won an Olympic gold representing the Czech Republic in 1998 in Nagano, Japan.

Not only was Jagr a prolific player in the NHL’s regular season, he was also dominant in the Stanley Cup playoffs. He amassed 78 goals and 201 points in 208 post-season contests.

Jagr’s career season occurred in 1995-96 with the Penguins. He potted 62 goals and a mesmerizing 149 points in 82 games. Typically, a 149-point season would easily slot a player in as the club’s leading scorer, however Jagr was second in points, trailing Mario Lemieux’s 161 points. 

Former NHL superstar and New Jersey Devils legendary defenceman Scott Stevens, recently told me that Jagr was perhaps the most challenging player to defend during his lengthy NHL career.

The Hall of Fame defender explained that Jagr had a tremendous ability to shield the puck from his opponents, by utilizing his large 6-foot 3-inch, 230-pound frame. According to Stevens, Jagr had a special awareness in reading defenceman, and would wait for a defender to make the first move, so he could slip around them with his crafty hands.

Due to the fact Jagr continued his professional career in Europe, he has not yet been eligible for entry into the Hockey Hall of Fame. Once he officially announces his retirement, he will be a lock for entry into hockey’s greatest shrine.

Growing up in the 1990s, it was a treat watching Jagr score numerous highlight reel goals.

One of his best, if not the greatest of his NHL career, came in game one of the 1992 Stanley Cup final versus the Chicago Blackhawks. The 19 year old Jagr weaved around three Hawks defenders, prior to beating Hawks goalie Ed Belfour with a backhander.

He also became well known for his signature salute after depositing pucks into the back of the net.

The statistics do not lie, Jagr is one of the most talented players to ever play in the NHL. His longevity in hockey is clearly a testament to his passion for the sport. What a fabulous career for one of the game’s all time greats.

© Peterborough Examiner