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Jagr: Brodeur could ‘play another three or four years’

Los Angeles Kings v New Jersey Devils - Game Five

NEWARK, NJ - JUNE 09: Martin Brodeur #30 of the New Jersey Devils celebrates after defeating the Los Angeles Kings during Game Five of the 2012 NHL Stanley Cup Final at the Prudential Center on June 9, 2012 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

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While many have assumed this will be Martin Brodeur’s last NHL season -- the 41-year-old is in the final year of his deal, and Cory Schneider appears ready to assume the No. 1 gig -- there are a couple people who warn against buying Brodeur a golden watch.

One is Brodeur himself. Another is a guy that knows a thing or two about extending shelf life -- Jaromir Jagr.

“Hey, don’t count him out. Trust me. He can play another three or four years,” Jagr told the New Jersey Star-Ledger. “Dominik Hasek came back when he was 47. (Brodeur) can play however long he wants to play.

“It’s up to him. He still loves the game, so it’s up to him.”

The topic of Brodeur’s playing future has been a hot one this season. Schneider has publicly expressed frustration about splitting time with Brodeur -- or, more accurately, expressed frustration about sitting behind Brodeur for stretches -- and Brodeur’s quality play (7-7-2, 2.25 GAA) has only added to the intrigue.

Another interesting wrinkle -- especially with Jagr discussing the subject -- would be Brodeur continuing his career somewhere other than New Jersey. Brodeur’s on record saying he wouldn’t rule out moving to a contending team at the deadline and could take a cue from Jagr, who’s played for four different teams (Philly, Dallas, Boston and New Jersey) since returning to the NHL in 201-12.

Brodeur’s comments were reminiscent of, though a bit different than, the ones he made back in late 2011 when he was a pending unrestricted free agent.

“In the future you never know, but I don’t want to [change teams],” he said. “But if I want to play — and I have so much respect for this organization — and if they don’t feel I’m the guy for them and they want to move on, if I still want to play I have to look after myself. I don’t see that happening, but I can’t say no.”