Though there is still bound to be speculation over a return to the NHL this summer, Nova Sport in the Czech Republic is reporting that Jaromir Jagr has agreed to return as a player for Kladno, the Czech team he owns. There apparently had been interest from the DEL in bringing Jagr aboard, but he will not head to Germany. Though he has agreed to play there now, one has to believe that if an NHL team came calling Jagr would still consider a return at the age of 46. Playing for Kladno keeps his options open should a different opportunity arise.
Jagr tried to continue his NHL career in Calgary this season, but due to injuries and inconsistent play ended up in just 22 games before heading home to the Czech Republic. The legendary winger will go down as one of the greatest players to ever step on a hockey rink, but it seems like the end of that professional career is finally coming to an end. Jagr is still a fitness freak who trains at all hours of the night, but it would be surprising to see any NHL team take a real gamble on bringing him in for a full season. Perhaps if he shows he’s fully healthy again he could earn a midseason contract, but it’s hard to expect much at this point.
If it is the end of his NHL career, he’ll go out with 1,921 points in 1,733 games and a trophy case full of individual and team accomplishments.