At 38, Jagr Could Still Be a Force in the NHL

Marian Hossa's overtime goal for the Penguins in the 2008 Eastern Conference Finals ended the Rangers' season, and it seemed Jaromir Jagr's NHL career.

This could change though as Jagr has hinted at a return. In an interview at the Winter Olympics with Dan Rosen of NHL.com Jagr expressed his interest in coming back. "NHL is a special League, no question about it. It has a lot of history and I think I was playing 18 years in the NHL and then I decided I am going to go back to Russia, and I cannot say anything about my decision because I said I am not going to look back," Jagr said.

Jagr signed a two year contract with Avangard Omsk of the Kontinental Hockey League based in Russia in 2008 and it seemed at that point that his career in the NHL was over. But, now he is contemplating one last run. "I'm just going to finish my contract there and then I am going to make a decision what I'm going to do next. But they treat me so well in Russia that it would be tough to leave them. On the other side, I want to maybe try to come here," Jagr said in the interview with Rosen.

Watching Jagr in the Winter Olympics for the Czech Republic, he still has the skill and size to be a top player in the NHL. He is the best European player to play in NHL history and if he decides to come back there will be teams interested.

Would the Pittsburgh Penguins be? Well if he means what he said in an interview a year ago, you could see him skating alongside Malkin or Crosby. In a Pittsburgh Tribune-Review article by Rob Rossi Jagr said, "I would just go there and play for them for the minimum salary."

Jagr continued by saying, "I owe Mario so much because he taught me how to play hockey. If he would want me to, I would come back for the minimum and try to help him."

If these statements are true the Penguins would almost have to sign him. To get a player of his caliber, even at the age of 38, would be a steal.

Jagr had some great days with the Penguins winning five scoring titles and winning the Stanley Cup twice.

But, Jagr's exit from Pittsburgh was not pretty. He said the famous line that he was "Dying alive" in Pittsburgh and wanted to be traded. The economics of the situation dictated that the Penguins could no longer afford Jagr's contract and would be unable to resign him so they dealt him to the Washington Capitals for Kris Beech, Michal Sivek, and Ross Lupaschuk. This, as we know, would go down as one of the worst trades in Penguins' history.

That was nine years ago and time heals all wounds. Jagr would be a welcomed offseason addition to a team that has marginal wings at best right now.

It may not happen as Jagr can be unpredictable sometimes with his statements. He has left the door open to stay in Russia and at the same time to make a comeback in the NHL. Here's hoping that he makes a return to the NHL.