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Jaromír Jágr, widely hailed as one of the greatest ice hockey players in history, announced in September 2024 that the 2024-25 season would mark the end of his extraordinary career.
At 52 years old, Jágr continues to defy expectations, recently setting a new milestone as the oldest player to score in a professional league game. His illustrious journey will officially conclude after a season that has further solidified his legacy and added yet another chapter to his remarkable story.
A Farewell Season Like No Other
On 7 January 2025, Jágr scored his fourth goal of the season for Rytíři Kladno in a match against Škoda Plzeň in the Czech Extraliga. At 52 years, 10 months, and 23 days old, he extended his own record as the oldest player to find the net in a professional league.
Despite Kladno losing the game in overtime (3-2), Jágr’s performance highlighted his enduring skill and determination. Over 22 games this season, Jágr has contributed four goals and three assists, demonstrating his ability to compete at the highest level even as he nears his 53rd birthday on 15 February.
A Journey Spanning Five Decades
Jágr’s career began in the late 1980s with Kladno, his hometown club. In 2011, he became the team’s owner, and since then, he has been instrumental in its fortunes, both on and off the ice. His leadership was key to Kladno’s promotion to the Extraliga in 2019, where the team has remained competitive under his stewardship.
Internationally, Jágr achieved tremendous success with the Czech national team. He was a central figure in their gold medal triumph at the 1998 Winter Olympics, where the Czech Republic defeated Russia 1-0 in the final. Jágr also contributed to World Championship victories in 2005 and 2010, cementing his legacy as a cornerstone of Czech hockey.
Unparalleled NHL Achievements
Jágr’s NHL career, which began with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1990, is one of the most decorated in history. He played 1,733 regular-season games, scoring 766 goals and recording 1,155 assists, ranking him second all-time in points (1,921). He won five Art Ross Trophies as the NHL’s top scorer (1995, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001) and twice lifted the Stanley Cup with the Penguins in his first two seasons (1991 and 1992). Jágr also won three Ted Lindsay Awards, recognising him as the league’s most outstanding player as voted by his peers.
Jágr played for nine NHL teams, including the Rangers, Capitals, Flyers, and Panthers, but is most closely associated with his prime years in Pittsburgh. His combination of size, skill, and durability allowed him to thrive in the league’s most defensively challenging era, earning him a place among the sport’s all-time greats.
A Legacy Beyond the Ice
Jágr’s influence extends beyond his on-ice achievements. As the owner of Rytíři Kladno, he has been a driving force in promoting hockey in Czechia, inspiring generations of players with his dedication to the sport. His presence in the Czech Extraliga has brought attention and prestige to the league, even as he continues to compete at an age when most players have long retired.
While Jágr’s farewell season is bittersweet, his contributions to hockey will endure. Reports suggest that the Pittsburgh Penguins are keen to bring him into their organisation in a front-office role, ensuring his expertise and experience will continue to benefit the sport.
