Being teammates with Jagr, watching him every day, what stands out is his preparation for the game, his passion for the game. It's something that not everybody has. He's been a great example for the young guys, and for the older guys as well, watching him work, see how long they can keep up with him. The practices, the attitude towards people. It's incredible.
And I got to show Jagr that picture of me and him from when I was a kid. He saw it and laughed at it. It's pretty funny and pretty cool that I got to show it to him.
It's hard to believe that he's [44 years old]. People keep asking when he's going to retire, but I don't think he will, to be honest. When you look at him on the ice, it's not like he's the fastest guy. But he's so smart with his game, has such quick hands and a great shot; sees the ice so well. At his age it's so important that you can slow the game down, and that's what he does. He lets the play come to him and he uses his first step, which he still has, and with his quick hands. In my opinion, he can play in the NHL for another three years.
Jagr's legacy is part of my generation and the young kids that are 5 years old right now. They still watch him play. It's amazing. His legacy, he's done so much for Czech Republic as a country. I've always said that if Jagr ever ran for president in the Czech Republic, he'd win it. And it might happen after he retires. Wouldn't surprise me if he did.
But he's also done so much for hockey in the Czech Republic. He's likely going to retire as No. 2 on the all-time NHL scoring list. You have a guy from a small town in Czech Republic who dominates the game of hockey here in the NHL, it was very special. It's pretty amazing.