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Timeless Jaromir Jagr thinks he could play until 55

Jaromir Jagr of the Florida Panthers
Jaromir Jagr of the Florida Panthers says he wants to play another 10 years. (Photo from Getty Images)

After moving into second place on the NHL’s all-time scoring list, 44-year-old Jaromir Jagr says he’s got more left in the tank. Previously, the Florida Panthers star had said he would play until 50, but now he’s apparently adding another five years to his timeline.

“I go to 55,” Jagr told northjersey.com. “I just changed. Fifty-five. I feel good so I go to 55.”

Wait, was he serious?

From NJ.Com:

We think Jagr was kidding, but you never know about this freak of nature. His production is down a little from last season, but his 25 points in 41 games are tied for second on an offensively challenged club that is struggling … and he’s been hot of late with nine points in nine games heading into Monday night’s game against the Devils.

“I feel good,” Jagr said. “No problems.”

As usual, Jagr doesn’t look his age. Not even close.

Jagr, who turns 45 on Feb. 15, has seven goals and 18 assists in 42 games with the Panthers.

Incredibly the Czech wonder would still need 965 more points to surpass Wayne Gretzky’s all-time scoring record of 2,857 (Jagr currently sits at 1,893). With another decade of hockey there’s a good chance he might be able to catch the late, great Gordie Howe for second place in all-time goal scoring. Currently, Jagr is 46 goals away from Howe’s total of 801 (Gretzky’s 894 mark isn’t likely to be touched).

Whether Jagr does play another decade remains to be seen, but if he continues to stay healthy and enjoys the game as much as he seems to, then who knows. He’s even gone back to sporting his old school mullet – albeit with a few more greys – in an homage to his younger playing days, which seems like decades ago (and it is).