Jaromir Jagr isn’t too thrilled about his 10th NHL All-Star selection.
Jagr was one of four players voted into the 2016 All-Star Game by fans, joining the likes of Patrick Kane, Alex Ovechkin and John Scott. The surprise selection speaks to Jagr’s popularity even with his best days behind him, yet the Florida Panthers winger is more skeptical than anything.
You see, Jagr turns 44 next month. Plus, he’s done the whole All-Star thing plenty of times. Scrapping a potential vacation to the Bahamas in favor of playing 3-on-3 hockey against players 20 years younger than him as part of the NHL’s new All-Star format isn’t ideal.
“Probably the fans think I need to get into shape,” Jagr told FOX Sports Florida with a smile Sunday after the Panthers defeated the Minnesota Wild 2-1. “I don’t deserve the rest, I need to get into shape during the All-Star Break. Everybody else is going to have a vacation and I’ve got to play 3-on-3.”
In fact, Jagr asked fans last month not to vote him into the All-Star Game, which he noted Sunday.
Fans-I appreciate your votes for All-Star game, but 3 on 3 would kill me,and i don't want to die yet:)Thank you for understanding. Too old:)
— Jaromir Jagr (@68Jagr) December 2, 2015
fans-this is another reason why you shouldn't vote for me for All-Star game.Old and no good :))) thanks God we won https://t.co/7d2bFG7i1J
— Jaromir Jagr (@68Jagr) December 4, 2015
Nevertheless, Jagr likely will travel to Nashville for the All-Star Game later this month. And knowing him, he’ll probably have a smile on his face, even though the trip clearly isn’t his first choice.
Fans-I was afraid,that 3on3 all-Star game may kill me,now,I am more afraid,fighting John Scott 6,8 300 during All-Star, kill me for sure
— Jaromir Jagr (@68Jagr) January 2, 2016
Thumbnail photo via Bob DeChiara/USA TODAY Sports Images
