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Jagr 'not against' playing on Flames' 3rd or 4th line

Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports / USA TODAY Sports

Jaromir Jagr will be back in the NHL this season, but at 45 years old, he's well aware of the circumstances of the team he's joining.

On Monday, the veteran agreed to a one-year contract with the Calgary Flames. At his age and with the Flames' depth, chances are Jagr will feature prominently on the third or fourth line, but to the NHL's second-leading scorer of all time, that's just fine.

"I'm not against it," Jagr said, according to NHL.com. "I can play against third or fourth lines of the opposing teams in that case. Let's see how it's gonna fit me and what I can do there."

Related - Report: Flames working on immigration issues with Jagr

While much of the hockey community appears to be enthusiastic about his return, Jagr admits that, in the end, the number of opportunities for him to make a return was few and far between.

"One thing is there were not many options (in the NHL)," Jagr said. "The offers have been much alike. But the factor for me was also that Calgary had been in play since the beginning; not very intense, but there have been some talks all the time. Then (the) St. Louis (Blues) experienced some unpleasant things, many injuries. But those players will come back during the season. I would be kind of a supplement there. (In Calgary) I can still take it as some real chance."

Jagr confirmed he won't be in the lineup for the Calgary's season opener on Wednesday against the Edmonton Oilers, meaning Saturday's home opener against the Winnipeg Jets could mark his Flames debut.

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