Czech Mate: Jaromir Jagr could be teaming up with Patrik Elias in New Jersey. Getty Images

Jaromir Jagr is one of the greatest hockey players to ever play the game. The NHL’s eighth all-time leading scorer is rumored to be landing in Newark. As hard as it is to believe, the 41-year old legend could be a Devil next week. After touring the Prudential Center Friday, it’s all but done according to a report from the Czech Republic.

Since returning to the NHL in 2011, Jagr has been well traveled playing for three teams in two seasons. After spending the entire ’11-12 season with the Flyers, he split time this past year with the Stars and Bruins. In 45 combined games, he tallied 35 points (16-19-35). Despite not scoring a goal in the playoffs, he still managed 10 assists in Boston’s run to the Stanley Cup Final. They lost to Chicago in six games. Ironically, the last team Jagr beat to win Lord Stanley teaming up with Mario Lemieux to repeat with Pittsburgh in 1992 at age 20. He’s the only player to play in the Cup Finals as a teenager (19) and at over 40 years of age (41).

If Devils President and General Manager Lou Lamoriello has decided to sign Jagr for a year, he’s making the obvious play after losing star Ilya Kovalchuk to the KHL. Undoubtedly, Jagr’s not the same player he was with the Rangers following the ’04-05 lockout when he set franchise records with 54 goals and 123 points. However, he’s still a presence whose size and strength should boost the Devil forecheck. The idea that Jagr could reunite with Czech buddy Patrik Elias is intriguing. Even at this late stage of his career, Number 68 still possesses great hands. His playmaking capabilities can aid New Jersey’s power play. Don’t forget countryman Marek Zidlicky. It could have a similar look to the ’05-06 Rangers. In an Olympic year, will we see Jagr once more on the biggest stage in Sochi, Russia? That remains to be seen. He might be better suited using the Olympic Break to rest.

As we’ve seen, Jagr no longer can take the grind of an 82-game schedule and playoffs. How coach Pete DeBoer handles him will be similar to Martin Brodeur, who’s expected to split duty with Cory Schneider. Don’t forget the 22 back-to-backs the Devils have. Something that should be closely watched.

For his NHL career, Jagr is the all-time leader in goals (681), assists (1,007) and points (1,688) among European-born players. His 1,391 career games are second to Roman Hamrlik (1,395) just ahead of Teemu Selanne (1,387) on the active list. With 199 career playoff points, Jagr moved ahead of Brett Hull and Paul Coffey into fifth all-time. His next point would be number 200. Only all-time leader Wayne Gretzky (382), Mark Messier (295), Jari Kurri (233) and Glenn Anderson (214) have more.

After re-signing Jacob Josefson, the Devils have approximately $9.88 million left to re-sign Group II Adam Henrique. They’re close. There’s enough room for Jagr. It would be his 20th season. He’s played for Pittsburgh, Washington, New York Rangers, Philadelphia, Dallas and Boston.