Jags

Florida Panthers right wing Jaromir Jagr has a goal and eight points in six games against the Devils since being traded on Feb. 26, 2015. (Steve Mitchell | USA TODAY Sports)

(Steve Mitchell)

NEWARK -- Jaromir Jagr used to joke about wanting to play until he's 50 when he still was in his early 40s and leading the Devils in scoring.

The legendary right winger has been telling the same story since moving on to the Florida Panthers two springs ago ... except he became serious about playing to 50.

His story changed again Monday morning after the Panthers' morning skate at Prudential Center.

Now a month away from turning 45 and still going strong, Jagr was asked if 50 is still the plan.

"Fifty-five," responded Jagr, who recently passed Mark Messier for second on the league's all-time scoring list. "I just changed it. Because I feel so good, I'll go 55."

We think Jagr was kidding, but you never know about this freak of nature. His production is down a little from last season, but his 25 points in 41 games are tied for second on an offensively challenged club that is struggling ... and he's been hot of late with nine points in nine games heading into Monday night's game against the Devils.

"I feel good," Jagr said. "No problems."

As usual, Jagr doesn't look his age. Not even close.

His still in as good a shape as anyone in the league, many of whom aren't half his age, and No. 68 still has a bit of a baby face. And for the last two years, he's been growing out his hair to bring back his famous 1990s mullet.

After Monday's morning skate, Jagr was zipping in and out of the Panthers' locker room with his hair pulled into a small ponytail.

"I love his hair because I have none," Panthers coach Tom Rowe, who is completely bald at age 60, said with a laugh.

Rowe, who took over when Gerard Gallant was fired following an 11-9-1 start, loves coaching Jagr.

"He's a real joy to be around on a regular basis and we throw a lot of ideas off of him and get some good feedback," Rowe said. "The guy is so professional, probably one of the more professional guys I've ever been around. The way he preps himself for practice is unbelievable. I think a lot of the young guys should be looking to see how he does things. As far as coaching him, it's definitely a highlight of my coaching career."

Aside from the Panthers' disappointing 17-16-8 record, Jagr still is having a ton of fun ... just as he did for most of his almost two full seasons as a Devil. Since returning to the NHL in 2009-10 following three seasons in Russia's KHL, Jagr's best season was his first in New Jersey ... 24 goals and a team-high 67 points playing for head coach Pete DeBoer.

Recalling his time with the Devils, Jagr said, "It was cool. Personally, it was a pretty good season for me ... the first one. We almost made the playoffs. I liked the style that they played. The coaches ... they were so good to me. The second year, the coach got fired, so it wasn't that good."

Yes, we know Jagr was unhappy in 2013-14 after DeBoer was fired during the Christmas break and replaced by three co-coaches: GM Lou Lamoriello, Adam Oates and Scott Stevens. Jagr' playing time and scoring dropped, which led some miserable days until he was rejuvenated with a March 2015 trade to Florida.

Jagr finished 14-15 hot, scoring 18 points in 20 games following his Feb. 26 trade to almost get the Panthers into the playoffs, then was very good last season scoring 27 goals and team-high 66 points in 79 games for a division winner.

Now, after a slow start this season, Jagr is piling up the points again with two goals and 12 assists in his last 14 games. Typically, he's not impressed.

"We'll see what happens," he said. "We'll see how I finish."

Whatever happens, Jagr won't take any shortcuts.

While playing for the Flyers in 2011-12, Jagr famously would show up to their practice rink after midnight for skates. Well, guess what?

"He's still doing that," said Panthers center Vincent Trocheck, a Jagr linemate who grew up in suburban Pittsburgh watching Jagr during his Penguins days. "When he thinks he can get better, that's when he's going to go to the rink and go work out. It's a pretty good philosophy if you think about it. A lot of guys are working out when they're too tired after practice. He stays out of the weight room until he has enough energy."

Playing with Jagr for a couple of seasons, Trocheck is convinced his future Hall of Fame teammate isn't close to being finished.

"As long as Jagr wants to play, he'll play," Trocheck said.

Maybe Jagr will make it another decade ... until he's 55.

Walking to his team Monday, Jagr turned and yelled, "I'll give you the interview at 55."

Randy Miller may be reached at rmiller@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @RandyJMiller. Find NJ.com on Facebook.