Jagr dons Flames jersey, asks fans for patience

CALGARY— Jaromir Jagr asked for a little patience in what he is sure will be his last NHL season, but his first in a Canadian market.

The 45-year-old Czech winger donned a Calgary Flames jersey Wednesday at the Scotiabank Saddledome.

He had yet to meet his new teammates, who were up the highway about to play their season opener against the Edmonton Oilers.

“I already said in a Czech newspaper it’s 99.9 per cent that his will be my last season, so I want to get the experience so I can one day say I played for a Canadian team,” Jagr said at a news conference.

The Flames signed Jagr to a oneyear contract worth $1 million (U.S.). With 1,914 points (765 goals, 1,149 assists), he ranks second to Wayne Gretzky in NHL scoring.

“I’m just probably going to need a little more time than usual, but I can promise you I’ll do everything I can to help this team,” Jagr said. “I just want to get some practices and see how I feel . . . If it’s not good for the team to play right away, I’m not.”

Jagr started his career Pittsburgh in 1990 when he helped the Penguins win back-to-back Stanley Cups in 1991 and 1992.

He has played 1,711 NHL games — with Pittsburgh, Washington, New York Rangers, Philadelphia, Dallas, Boston, New Jersey and Florida — and is just 57 games from surpassing Gordie Howe for the most NHL games. He pointed out if he hadn’t played three KHL seasons in Omsk, Russia, from 2008 to 2011, he would have that record by now.

“If I can reach it, especially with a Calgary Flames jersey on, it’s going to be special,” Jagr said. “I don’t want to look that far.”