Jaromír Jágr scored the first goal of his 37th professional season on Friday as HC Rytíři Kladno defeated HC Sparta Praha 4-2 in the Czech Extraliga.
The 52-year-old Jágr scored his first goal since last April’s playoff relegation series. His backhand attempt was disallowed, but the future Hall of Famer turned in the rebound for Rytíři Kladno’s third goal of the game.
After providing an assist in the season opener, Jágr currently leads the league in points per game.
Jágr is in his eighth season with Rytíři Kladno, the team he owns and runs, after being cut by the Calgary Flames after 22 games during the 2017-18 NHL season. The No. 5 overall pick in the 1990 NHL draft by the Pittsburgh Penguins has been hampered by injuries since returning home, playing in just 18 games last season.
Last season’s downtime gave Jágr a chance to have one more moment with the Penguins’ fans in Pittsburgh. During his recovery, he returned to the Steel City to attend former teammate Mario Lemieux’s adult fantasy camp, and had his number 68 retired by the franchise.
The end is near for Jágr
This week, Jágr confirmed to Rob Rossi of The Athletic that he plans to retire after this season.
After the overwhelming love between Jagr and the city of Pittsburgh last season, Kevin Acklin, the team’s director of operations and the one who played a key role in organizing the retirement of Jagr’s number 68, hopes that Jagr will be a part of the organization in some way going forward.
“Obviously this is a guy who has a love for this franchise and city that needs to be cultivated,” Acklin told The Athletic. “I don’t know what that looks like. We’ve talked about the future.”
Hall of Fame Timeline for Jágr
Jagr ranks second all-time in NHL scoring with 1,921 points and fourth all-time in goals with 766. He boasts two Stanley Cup titles, Olympic and World Championship gold medals, five NHL scoring titles, and a host of other individual accolades and records. He’s a sure bet for the Hockey of Fame — but when will that happen?
When Jágr eventually retires, he will be eligible for incorporation after three years – so in 2028 if the 2024-25 season is indeed his last.
But given Jagr’s accomplishments, would the Hockey Hall of Fame waive the three-year waiting period to induct him early? Nine players have received that honor, including Wayne Gretzky (1999) and Jagr’s former Penguins teammate Mario Lemieux (1997).
It would make sense if Jágr were the tenth to receive this honour.
