NHL Legend Jagr Likely Ends Storied Career

54-year-old forward says professional hockey no longer 'worth it' at his age.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 9:26pm

A fractured, multi-perspective painting featuring sharp, overlapping geometric planes in vibrant colors like royal blue, fiery orange, and deep purple, conceptually representing the illustrious career of hockey legend Jaromir Jagr.Jagr's storied career is deconstructed into a cubist masterpiece, capturing the legendary forward's impact on the sport of hockey.Willow Grove Today

Legendary NHL forward Jaromir Jagr, 54, says his professional hockey career is likely complete after playing the past nine seasons in his native Czechia. Jagr, who last played for Kladno in the Extraliga on December 21, 2025, cited the limited ice time and extensive travel as reasons he doesn't plan to continue playing, though he stopped short of officially announcing his retirement.

Why it matters

Jagr is one of the greatest players in NHL history, ranking second in career points, fourth in goals, and fifth in assists. His potential retirement would mark the end of an era for a player who won two Stanley Cups, three Ted Lindsay Awards, five Art Ross Trophies, and a gold medal at the 1998 Nagano Olympics. Jagr's departure from the game would leave a significant void in the hockey world.

The details

Jagr, who last played for Kladno in Czechia's top league, the Extraliga, on December 21, 2025, said he doesn't anticipate playing another game anytime soon. He cited the limited ice time of around 12 minutes per game and the extensive travel as reasons he no longer finds it 'worth it' to continue playing at his age of 54. Kladno's season ended on March 15 with a five-game loss to Sparta in the preliminary round of the Extraliga playoffs, marking the end of Jagr's ninth season back with his hometown team.

  • Jagr last played for Kladno on December 21, 2025.
  • Kladno's season ended on March 15, 2026 with a playoff loss.

The players

Jaromir Jagr

A legendary NHL forward who played 24 seasons in the NHL, winning two Stanley Cups, three Ted Lindsay Awards, five Art Ross Trophies, and a gold medal at the 1998 Nagano Olympics. He is one of the greatest players in NHL history, ranking second in career points, fourth in goals, and fifth in assists.

Kladno

Jagr's hometown team in Czechia, where he has played the past nine seasons after leaving the NHL in 2017-18.

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What they’re saying

“Not official. I didn't say that. ... It doesn't make sense to me to practice at my age, and get ready at my age, spending so much time in my life doing this for hockey and my ice time is like maximum 12 minutes a game. And it's the traveling and everything. At my age, it's not worth it.”

— Jaromir Jagr

The takeaway

Jagr's potential retirement would mark the end of one of the most illustrious careers in hockey history. Though he has not officially announced his retirement, the legendary forward's comments suggest his playing days are likely over, leaving a significant void in the sport he dominated for nearly four decades.