VANCOUVER — With a big grin and a quick start to his Olympics, 38-year-old Jaromir Jagr is flirting with a return to the NHL.
The 18-year league veteran, who left for Russia’s top professional division in 2008, seemed delighted last night by the possibility of a return season in North America.
“They treat me so well in Russia, but at the same time, maybe I want to try to play here,” said Jagr after the Czech Republic’s beat Latvia 5-2 .
Jagr confirmed his two-year contract worth about $7 million tax-free for Avangard Omsk of the Russian Kontinental Hockey League ends this summer, with no option years to negotiate.
For now, he’s focused on getting his Czech team ready for Sunday’s showdown with rival and tournament co-favorite Russia.
“And when we get back [to Russia] we have to start the playoffs,” he said. “Then, I have to make a decision. If it happens, it happens.”
His formerly flowing mane is now much shorter — unlike during his Pittsburgh heyday, one can easily see his name on the back of his Czech jersey. And the stubble on his chin now looks as much like salt as pepper.
“Hey, it’s not gray. I just did it to make me look older,” Jagr said jokingly.
Yet his game still looks young.
“Up to now, he’s played very well,” Czech coach Vladimir Ruzicka said through an interpreter. “And I believe his time will still come. We still expect more.”
Jagr scored his second goal in two games on a wicked slap shot that zinged over the shoulder of Latvia’s helpless goaltender. He later aggressively locked an arm around the back of the neck of a Latvian in front of the Czech goal, drawing a holding penalty. Latvia converted the ensuing power play to get within 4-2.
He spent some of the third period on the bench playfully joking with and slapping the shoulder of teammate Roamer Cervenka. Then Jagr sped past three defenders at least 10 years younger before sending one of his team-high seven shots into the side of the net.
Late in the game he zoomed around the back of the net and thought he had his third goal of the Olympics on a quick backhand — until Latvian goalie Edgars Masalskis made a diving save.
“I think after the two years I’ve spent in Russia I can be a better player than I was when I left,” he said. “I know that.”
Jagr was drafted fifth overall by the Penguins in 1990. The NHL held that year’s draft at B.C. Place, a domed stadium next door to Canada Hockey Place.
Asked if maybe coming back “here” meant to Vancouver Jagr chuckled and smiled some more.
“I don’t know,” he said. “I love Russia. I love the NHL. Whatever happens, happens.”