Since retiring from the NHL after 22 games with the Calgary Flames in 2018, Jagr has played 7 seasons with the Kladno Knights while also owning the team. He's come in and out of the lineup to ensure his team stays in a higher ranked league, but has never formally announced his retirement until now. In an interview with CNN Prima News, Jagr explained the decision to retire, along with a coming book and film about his career.
Jagr will go down with one of the longest list of accolades in NHL history, and will be remembered as one of the best players to ever play the game. He's second in all time NHL scoring with 1921 points in 1733 games, only behind Wayne Gretzky. Along with his insanely consistent offensive production for over 28 years in the NHL, he's won the Stanley Cup Twice, the Art Ross 5 times, and the Hart Trophy once. After having an estranged relationship with his original team in the Pittsburgh Penguins, the two parties mended a relationship and retired his jersey earlier this season.
Jagr has been left out of the Hockey Hall of Fame since leaving the NHL, because a player needs to officially retire for one year before they're considered eligible. If Jagr actually does stay retired for the entirety of his age 53 season, he will be a sure fire lock for the first ballot to the hall of fame.
POLL | ||
Will Jagr be elected to the Hall of fame on the first ballot after his retirement? | ||
Yes | 466 | 92.8 % |
No | 27 | 5.4 % |
See Results | 9 | 1.8 % |
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