Only three players in NHL history have played more games than Jaromir Jagr—and he just so happened to be one of the most skillful the league has ever seen. At one point, Jagr was asked which goalie, out of all he had ever faced, was the best. His answer didn’t surprise anyone.
Patrick Marleau, Gordie Howe, and Mark Messier are the only three players who have played more NHL games than Jagr. But it’s worth noting that Jagr also spent several seasons in the KHL during his career. Without those years overseas, he would easily hold the number one spot.
Jagr played his first NHL game in 1990 and his last in late 2017. He is set to retire at the end of the 2024-25 season after several years playing for Kladno in Czechia. Having played an astonishing 37 (!) professional seasons, Jagr holds the longest playing career in pro hockey history. He is also second all-time in NHL points, trailing only Wayne Gretzky. Over his future Hall of Fame career, he won two Stanley Cups, five Art Ross Trophies, and one Hart Trophy.
Jaromir Jagr names the best goalie
During his legendary NHL tenure, Jagr faced plenty of all-time greats. Once, he was asked by The Hockey News to name three players—one goalie, one defenseman, and one forward—he most hated playing against. His defenseman pick was a surprise: Eric Cairns. The forward he found toughest to play against? Michael Peca. And the goalie, to no one’s surprise, was his countryman, Dominik Hasek.
“He can make the net so small with the way he plays by position,” Jagr told The Hockey News. “He’s so quick. He can read the players.”
Jagr and Hasek teamed up at the 1998 Olympics, where Czechia won gold. Many say that tournament featured one of the greatest goaltending performances in hockey history.
“He was unbelievable,” Jagr said. “The reason we won gold was because of him.”
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