Jagr's motivation is declining, but he can't finish yet

Jaromir Jagr is currently not involved in any games yet, but he is still training in hopes of helping his current team, the Knights of Kladno, in the playoffs to advance to the extra league. As of right now, Jagr wants to play at least another season next year, especially since he committed to an open air match in Spindleruv Mlyn, which was supposed to take place in December this year. It was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic, but it is planned now for December 2021.

Like many other players around the world, Jagr agrees that this past year has been like no other.

"This year is very different from the usual ones. We don't know what awaits us the next day, which takes a lot of energy. I haven't trained as hard this year as in previous years. But I still want to play this season. I think it could happen in the playoffs. I want to be a player who will help his team win. Who will help him advance to the top competition. And at the moment I am not such a player,” said Jagr.

The NHL legend left the league during the 2017-18 season as the second highest scorer in history with 1921 points, only trailing Wayne Gretzky's 2857 points. Jagr is also 3rd in goals (766) and trails Gordie Howe's games played record by 34 games.

It is obvious at age 48, he will not be looking at returning to the NHL, but there is a question as to when the greatest Czech-born player will return to competition. Along with this, he may not have much time left because it is getting harder and harder for him to play with the youngsters.

"I can't say how much longer I want to play,” Jagr stated. “Hockey is getting harder and harder for me. I think I lost a bit of a drive when I wanted to prove that I can keep improving. That motivation is waning, although this season is definitely not the last in my career. I was supposed to play this year (open air match), but it was postponed. So I can't finish now. I promised to start in that match. "

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