Report: Jagr has the last word

Flames fans are certainly keeping their fingers crossed...

HockeyFeed
HockeyFeed
Published 6 years ago
Report: Jagr has the last word
KeyStone Press

Jaromir Jagr will decide when he'll make his debut for the Calgary Flames. The 45-year-old veteran practiced with the Flames for the first time Thursday, said he was approaching things day by day. 

"I think we have to be smart about it," he said to NHL.com. "I think that if I'm not going to be ready then it's not very smart to put me out there."

Jagr missed the team's season opener on Wednesday against the Edmonton Oilers, and knows he needs to adjust to the face pace of his young teammates. 

"Not very good," Jagr said. "It was a fast pace. It's not going to be easy, these first few practices. It's a challenge.

"To be honest, it was a crazy day the last few days. I didn't know if I was ever going to play in the NHL again, and I didn't practice with any team. To put it in perspective, I was practicing and didn't see any future. It was kind of tough, especially at my age. It's not easy for anyone to practice on their own, but not to see much future … and if I was in Europe I would probably take a month to get ready before I played some games. Right now I cannot do it. But it's kind of different.

"It's a challenge. That's why I go day by day. Hopefully tomorrow I feel better. Hopefully it's going to come back quick."

It is up to him but Jagr could play in Calgary's home opener against the Winnipeg Jets on Saturday.

"We'll see where he's at. That's going to be up to him because he knows. I think he's got enough games in the League to figure out when he's going to be completely ready. We talked about that. I said, 'you've got to let me know how you're feeling.' We'll see how tomorrow goes. Best part is we get another practice." - coach Glen Gulutzan

Flames fans are certainly keeping their fingers crossed. 

Source: NHL.com