Jaromir Jagr Starts 33rd Season of Hockey

Jagr’s Early Hockey Career

At 48-years old, professional hockey veteran Jaromir Jagr began his 33rd professional hockey season Wednesday, Dec. 16 with the WSM Liga’s HC Klando.

Jagr’s hockey career began in 1988. Afterwards, he was drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins, 5th overall in the 1990 NHL Draft. The Czechoslovakian native helped the Pens win two Stanley Cups; one in 1991 and 1992.

Jagr spent 11 years with the Pens. In 2001, he signed a big contract with the Washington Capitals. However, Jagr was not able to bring much to the table as the Caps expected. He parted ways with the team, moving on to play for the New York Rangers from 2004-2008.

Between 2011 and 2013, Jagr played for the Philadelphia Flyers, Dallas Stars and the Boston Bruins. Afterwards, he played for the New Jersey Devils for two years, in 2013-2015. The Devils signed him to a contract, which provided Jagr with $2 million guaranteed and an additional $2 million if he played in 40 games or more. In his final year with the Devils, at the age of 42, Jagr made history by being the oldest player in NHL history to score a hat-trick.

Florida Panthers, Calgary Flames and the WSM Liga

Some other teams Jagr played for included the Florida Panthers, where he only played for two years. In 2016, he signed a one-year contract at the age of 44. During his short tenure with the Panthers, the hockey veteran reached many milestones, registering 750 goals in late 2016. However, his time with the team ended. Jagr moved on to play for the Calgary Flames, where he only spent one year. Due to his age, there weren’t many high expectations. He was unable to contribute much to the team, either. Consequently, Jagr was put on waivers.

In early 2018, Jagr was put in the WSM Liga, being assigned to HC Klando. However, he has suffered a knee injury shortly after joining the team. Despite this and his age, Jagr decided to keep playing hockey.

What Potential Does Jagr Have Left?

Dec. 16 was the dawn of a new era for the long-time hockey pro. Jagr has defied all odds and expectations up to this point in his career. At 48-years old, Jagr has come along way. He has played hockey for now 33 season and suffered many injuries. But he has chosen to stay strong and optimistic. Jagr has proven to many that he is still capable of playing the game he loves so much.

Retirement has been an option for Jagr for some time now. However, that option seems not to be what he will choose. That is, at least for the time being. Jagr has made it clear to the public and all his fans that he would like to play hockey in his 50s. When, exactly, will he finally decide to hang up his cleats, is unknown.

But for right now, it looks like Jagr still wants to show hockey enthusiasts that he still has the ability to play hockey. There are some contributions Jagr has been able to make for Klando. For example, Jagr has registered a total of 29 points in his last 38 games last season.

In addition to his contributions, Jagr has made history thanks to his age. Despite being nearly 50-years old and still playing hockey, he is not the oldest hockey player. That record still belongs to Gordie Howe, who played hockey until he was 52 years of age.

In conclusion, Jagr has a long and successful playing that both he and his fans will be able to look back to. The 48-year old hockey star still has hockey playing potential. He can still help produce wins and make a contribution to the team where he is needed.