Sage, tireless veteran Jagr proves a perfect fit with youthful Panthers

SUNRISE, Fla. -- Jaromir Jagr's routine following practice is slower than the usual NHL player.

The unhurried pace seems right for a 43-year-old playing at a high level, especially compared to the young core of Florida Panthers who are quick to start post-practice workouts.

Jagr joyously engages teammates who enter the room. Every discussion focuses on hockey. When Aleksander Barkov joins following an impromptu autograph session, Jagr offers the 19-year-old advice -- "Only sign once."

The conversation switches back to hockey.

Jagr reveals he would like to make the playoffs at least once more before he retires.

"You've still got 20 years," he says to Barkov.

After agreeing to terms on a one-year deal with Florida on Sunday, Jagr will get at least one more opportunity.

Jagr's lengthy regimen at the rink isn't tied to exhaustion; it is about prolonging his time there.

Jonathan Huberdeau (11) celebrates his goal against Boston with right wing Jaromir Jagr

"I think for a lot of guys, this makes hockey life a little bit longer," Jagr told FOXSportsFlorida.com. "You enjoy it and you don't get tired or old that quickly in Florida."

Perhaps it is because Panthers GM Dale Tallon constructed the proverbial fountain of youth on an ice rink in Florida.

The Panthers boast a lineup including six first-round draft picks under the age of 25. Two of those -- Barkov and former Calder Trophy winner Jonathan Huberdeau -- became Jagr's linemates upon his arrival.

Jagr, who admits change makes him uncomfortable, didn't know what to expect when he arrived in Florida. He hadn't studied the changes to the organization during Tallon's tenure, or the commitment to winning under new owner Vincent Viola.

The minute Jagr stepped on the ice in a Cats uniform on February 28 against the Buffalo Sabres, he sensed a new energy.

''When I came here, from the first game, the way we played -- not only our line, but the whole team -- it was kind of a speedy game, up-and-down," Jagr said. "I could see how talented this team is. I didn't know how young they are."

Jagr failed to register a point in the contest. Yet the moments with Florida's youngsters -- telling Brandon Pirri to keep shooting on the power play, giving Huberdeau a pat on the back after an unsuccessful scoring attempt -- generated a spark up and down the lineup.

And within Jagr himself.

By 33, Jagr had amassed Hall-of-Fame credentials: Two Stanley Cups, an Olympic gold medal, a World Championship title, a Hart Trophy as league MVP and four scoring titles.

To observers, success came easy.

Former NHL player Bill Lindsay, who was tasked with shutting down Jagr during Florida's matchup with Pittsburgh during the 1996 Eastern Conference Finals, described the newest Panther as ''naturally gifted.''

The thought of that experience still elicits an exhausted sigh from Lindsay nearly two decades later.

''He was a guy who would come back after you,'' Lindsay said. ''There was a fear factor, I think, when you played against them.''

But Jagr lacked the stature of a complete player during those years.

''As far as playing the North American game, playing both ends of the rink, getting used to the tougher kind of style, I think that took a while for him to get the reputation as that kind of player,'' Lindsay said.

Still among the NHL's best players in 2008, Jagr left to play with Avangard Omsk in Russia. A definitive reason for his departure never emerged.

Was it financial? Did he feel tired and worn out at 36? Had the NHL failed to remain a challenge for the all-star?

Jagr played no more than 55 games in any of his three seasons overseas, yet posted just under a point per game. He returned to North America in 2011 a little older, but enlightened and in better shape than ever before.

''People are wondering, 'How can you play at this age?' They're saying, '[It's] because he's working hard.' I've always worked hard,'' Jagr said. ''People just didn't pay attention to that. If you want to be good, you have to work harder than everyone else.''

In the way the young Jagr was regarded for his exceptional talent, the older version has become notorious for his work ethic. He stays at the rink longer than any teammate, skates with extra weights and trains well into the night.

''Back then, I don't think he was working out at night,'' said Sergei Gonchar, who played with Jagr in Washington during the early 2000s. ''At least we didn't know about it. I've heard about his routine now and how hard he's working.''

Panthers coach Gerard Gallant is not privy to the intricacies of the winger's workout, but remains impressed.

''That's why he continues to play today, because of what he does off the ice, his preparation for every game,'' Gallant said.

Tallon, who has observed Jagr's workouts, said he's witnessed the veteran doing ''exercises I've never seen an athlete or hockey player do on or before or after games.''

''I've never seen an athlete at this particular stage of his career work as hard as he does off the ice as he does on the ice,'' Tallon said.

In October, Jagr posted a photo to his Facebook page following a workout. He is  wearing a 15-pound vest and weights around his ankles. He notes the time is 11:15 p.m.

He writes rhetorically, in Czech, ''You're alone, without family ... why are you doing it? ... Because I love it.''

Jagr grounds himself through ''hockey life.'' Religion and hockey are entwined.

The veteran's locker is like any other; meticulously kept equipment, a small bag for repairs and vitamins. As a devout Orthodox Christian, however, Jagr displays a small plaque of the Virgin Mary and child above his nameplate, and a well-worn, red prayer book by his side on the bench.

In the way a priest commits himself to theological study, Jagr channels his spirituality through sport.

Jagr scored six goals and had 12 assists after his trade to Florida.

''I always felt different since I was 10, 15 years old,'' he said. ''I always felt protected, I have some kind of energy, power. I was always looking for something -- what is it?''

Though he never felt embarrassed by spirituality, Jagr explained living in a more openly religious Russia helped him understand his own questions.

''They don't hide it. I was always hiding it,'' he said. ''Now I am not afraid to show it.''

His daily effort is a testament and may prolong his career, but Jagr understands hockey life can end suddenly.

''Some people die when they're over 100, some people die when they're 60,'' Jagr explained. ''I think it's the same thing with hockey life. I have the same love for the game like I was 20 years old.''

Before Florida embarked on a week-long, five-game road trip, Jagr was not sure what his future would hold. The Panthers had expressed interest in keeping the soon-to-be unrestricted free agent, but no talks had started.

''I am a big God believer. I pray and I know he is going to make it best for me,'' Jagr said at the time. ''So far I am very happy here. I enjoy the play. I enjoy the run. Every game means a lot.''

And there were also the perks of living in South Florida, which Jagr alluded to.

For as much time he puts in at the rink, Jagr also pauses workouts for time at the pool and beach, a small blessing he never experienced in other locales.

''I feel like you're more excited for the game,'' Jagr said. ''You don't have to spend the whole day in the apartment because outside it's cold. But when it's game time, practice, you want to be here.''

Jagr's presence excited Florida's youngest players, many of which grew up idolizing him.

''I wanted to make sure he has fun with the kids and the kids enjoy him,'' Gallant said. ''He said, 'I'm not going to tell the kids what to do, I'm going to ask the kids what they want me to do.' ''

Vincent Trochek, who grew up in Pittsburgh and followed Jagr as a child, says the veteran has given the team's forwards confidence.

''You don't get 700 goals by just guessing,'' Trocheck said. ''So you listen. You respect everything he says.''

The Panthers surround Jaromir Jagr after a goal over Ottawa in late March.

And they do.

During Jagr's first game, the veteran offered Pirri advice after a couple unsuccessful power-play attempts.

''Just keep shooting,'' Jagr told Pirri. ''Don't worry about it. Just keep shooting. You're going to score.''

On the next two power plays, the tip paid off: Two shots, two goals.

''For me, it's pretty special to get some good advice like that and it worked out,'' Pirri said. ''It's one of those things where it wouldn't have worked out if anyone else said it. But just the fact he said it.''

Barkov is another player who has benefitted from Jagr's presence. A two-way pivot who thinks pass first, the Finn posted seven goals in his final 21 games. During the first 50, he registered just nine.

But Barkov is also okay with balancing his shoot-versus-pass mentality, especially with a legend to his right.

''I think he's got a shot, too,'' Barkov said.

Jagr finished with just six goals and 12 assists during his first season in Florida. His line, however, combined for 19 goals and 54 points in that span.

''That's what makes me important right now,'' Jagr said, smiling. ''Every person on the planet wants to feel important. At least someone listens to what I say.''

The kids have not shied away from asking for autographs on memorabilia they collected as children, either. The veteran laughs about that, too.

However, he views Florida's young talent as equals, ''good players here who can make plays, who can be stars in this league.''

''Even though they're 19 or 21, they are making plays,'' Jagr said. ''They are very intelligent. They've got hockey sense. Plus, they're fast. It's just going to make me better, too.''

As the Panthers wrapped up end-of-season meetings Sunday, team management worked on prolonging Jagr's tenure in Florida.

Originally scheduled to meet with the media at noon, Tallon's press conference was delayed.

He had a legitimate reason: the ink on Jagr's new contract was still drying.

And for Jagr, who celebrated Orthodox Easter on Sunday, the timing could not have been more apropos.

''It's a good Easter so far,'' Jagr said. ''It's funny stuff. You never know what will happen, but it's a good day today.

''I am thankful I had a chance to play the last 20 games here and give me a little lift in life. A lot of people thought I'm done. Those young guys give me extra energy, extra life.''

You can follow Erin Brown on Twitter @rinkside or email her at erinbrownfla@gmail.com.