VOORHEES, N.J. -- Jaromir Jagr had 10 minutes and countless opportunities to tell the media that had gathered for end-of-the-year interviews that he wants to return to the Flyers organization next season.
Instead, though, the future hall of famer said only that he doesnt want to retireand that the rest is up to his agent, Petr Svoboda.
I want to play NHL. I want to play somewhere when I know the teams going to want to me to, Jagr said. Hopefully were going to find some team where I can play. I still love the game. I think Im going to be better than I was this year.
Only two days ago, standing on a podium in the Flyers locker room just after the team had been eliminated from the playoffs by the New Jersey Devils, Jagr said that this season had been the most enjoyable of his lengthy NHL career. Holding back tears, Jagr said he loves the organization, the fans and the city.
But apparently, thats not enough for the 40-year-old forward to commit to a return to Philadelphia. It isnt a money issue, Jagr said. He wants to be sure that, wherever he goes, hes able to contribute. He doesnt want to be a third-line winger relegated to negligible minutes and insignificant situations.
Its very tough for me to talk right now, he said. I said my feeling after the game, how I feel about the whole city, the whole organization. I still believe if I get ready, and I want to get ready, I dont want to just come back just to sit here. I want to be better than I was this year. I truly believe I can do it if I practice the right way to get ready.
Jagr may believe he can use the summer to train and improve for next season, but he was certainly a contributing factor to the Flyers success in 2011-12. He spent the majority of the year on the teams top line with Claude Giroux and Scott Hartnell, registering 19 goals and 35 assists.
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He was only moved off the first line toward the end of the series against New Jersey, and that was simply because the line as a whole had ceased to be effective. As the seasonand the playoffshad progressed, Jagrs impact was seen mostly on the power play. His line with Giroux and Hartnell wasnt working the same magic it had been weeks earlier.
But Jagrs true affect on the Flyers was with his teammates off the ice. His work-ethic is unparalleled, and his experience and approach to the game were invaluable to a team with so many rookies and young players.
"Jaromir was an excellent player for us, and a good influence for us in the locker room, coach Peter Laviolette said. You mention the youth that we did have and learning in the playoffs through experience. You can learn by persevering and working with people. Their work habits are extremely good and Jaromir is one of those guys.
Jagr will turn 41 next February, which is old by NHL standards but not unheard of. But whichever team signs him will have to be convinced that he can still contribute through another 82-game season. He seemed to visibly slow down as this season progressed, and certainly that was true during the playoffs.
He was, as CSNPhilly.com has learned, nursing a left quad injury through the postseason. But he also believes he can take what he learned from this season and build off of it to ensure hes more effective than he was.
The NHL has changed, you have to change with the NHL, Jagr said. You have to adjust some practicing, you have to adjust some little things to make you better. I learned a lot this year. I know what kind of direction I want to go to get better. If I come back, I know Im going to be better than I was this year.
Jagr intends to use the Flyers long summer to consider his future and what might be his next step. But, as has been suggested for weeks now, the Flyers would like for him to return for 2012-13 once again wearing the orange and black sweater.
Id like to have him back, general manager Paul Holmgren said. Well see. Wed like to have him on our team.
That sentiment is echoed by Jagrs teammates.
If you ask anyone on this team, everyone wants him back, Claude Giroux said. He is a good team player and he has helped so many guys in this room on and off the ice. It would be great to have him back, but I am not sure what the plans are. He is that kind of teammate that you want on your team.
For now, Jagrs plans are to rest. Once he recovered from the season, he will meet with Svoboda and Holmgren, and surely entertain whatever offers might come his way.
But whether he comes back appears to depend on what Holmgren and the Flyers can offer himbeyond his wallet.
I dont know what kind of direction Philadelphias going to go in, Jagr said. That kind of stuff. Whats my situation going to be? I dont think they know right now. Thats why you get a long summer to think about it and talk about it.
E-mail Sarah Baicker at sbaicker@comcastsportsnet.com