Jaromir Jagr has confirmed that he intends to retire from professional hockey following the current season. The 52-year-old legend shared this news with The Athletic’s Rob Rossi on Thursday.
Jagr has not played in North America since the 2017-18 season, dedicating his time to the Czech Extraliga’s Rytiri Kladno, where he serves as both a player and president. He continues to suit up for home games in addition to his executive responsibilities. In Kladno’s season opener on Wednesday, he recorded an assist.
In an Instagram post earlier this week, Jagr appeared to refer to this as his “last season,” written in his native language.
He ranks fourth all time in NHL goals with 766, fifth in assists with 1,155, and second in points overall, trailing only Wayne Gretzky. Jagr began his career with back-to-back Stanley Cup victories with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1991 and 1992, playing 11 of his 24 NHL seasons with the team, which retired his number in February.
Currently, he is ineligible for the Hockey Hall of Fame while remaining active overseas. However, retirement from professional hockey will initiate the three-year waiting period for eligibility.
Throughout his career, Jagr has also played for several NHL teams, including the Washington Capitals, New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers, Dallas Stars, Boston Bruins, New Jersey Devils, Florida Panthers, and Calgary Flames. He ranks fourth all time with 1,733 games played, a number that would have been higher had he not spent three seasons in the KHL from 2008 to 2011.
Jagr is a member of the Triple Gold Club, having won the Stanley Cup, an Olympic gold medal, and a World Championship. He has claimed the Art Ross Trophy five times, won the Hart Trophy in 1999, and received the Masterton Trophy in 2016.
