NHL legend Jaromir Jagr not ready to retire just yet, hints at 38th pro season at 53 - “I still love the game, I don’t want to get fat”

Former NHL star Jaromir Jagr is one of greatest players in hockey history. He's a two-time Stanley Cup and five-time Art Ross Trophy winner.

Jagr is also a part of the Triple Gold Club, winning the Stanley Cup, World Championship and Olympic gold. He played 24 seasons in the NHL and is known for his long and successful career. Despite being 53, he's not yet ready to retire and hopes to play his 38th professional season.

Jaromir Jagr shared his thoughts about continuing his career while speaking on TNT before Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Finals.

"I said it might be my last year, but I’m not sure about it. I still love the game. I love to practice," he said [2:00 onwards].

Jagr explained that staying healthy is very important to him.

"I don’t want to get fat. I was pretty heavy earlier," he said. "I lost some weight right now, like 20 pounds, so I feel a little bit better, and I love to practice."

His goal is to keep playing and stay in good shape and that he enjoys his daily routine and time on the ice.

"I just do it just to be healthy, and I just enjoy the existence," Jagr said.

Jaromir Jagr also explained that he no longer runs his team.

"I sold the team I play for, I kept only 20%," he said. "So there’s no pressure, and I do what I love to do."

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Jaromir Jagr was honored with International Hockey Hall of Fame induction at 52

Jaromir Jagr’s name was inducted into the International Hockey Hall of Fame during the 2024 IIHF World Championships in Czechia. Last year, the Pittsburgh Penguins also retired his No. 68 jersey. Back then, he was in the news when bobbleheads made in his honor were stolen.

Jagr thanked his late coach, Ivan Hlinka, during the ceremony and spoke about the players he looked up to, like Mario Lemieux, Ron Francis and Jari Kurri.

"When I was watching the World Championships and the Olympics, I was looking for an idol," Jagr said in May 2024, via CBS News.

"I was looking for someone to say, he's a great player, I want to be like him. And I started with Mario Lemieux, Ron Francis, Paul Coffey. Then Hakan Loob, Jarri Kurri, who was my favorite guy when I was young."

Jagr has been quite successful internationally, playing in five Olympics and 10 World Championships. He won two gold and two bronze medals and joined the Triple Gold Club in 2005.