At 45 years old, Jaromir Jagr is still looking to improve his game.

Now at over 1700 career NHL games played, Jagr continues to climb the record books in his 23rd NHL season and said Monday he’ll wait until the season is over to make any decisions about his playing future, but believes he still has to room to improve.

“We’ll wait for the season to end,” Jagr told the Miami Herald. “The way I look at it, we’re already playing for the future right now. I love the game, still want to be better every day I step on the ice. Nothing has changed in the 20-something years I have played hockey.

“The drive is still there, in my mind, I still believe I can get better. We’ll wait and see what happens.”

Jagr is set to become an unrestricted free agent once again this summer. He has signed five straight one-year contracts, and two straight with the Panthers. He said Monday he’s open in returning to the Panthers next season. He has previously stated his desire is to play until the age of 50.

“I love it here, every minute,” he said. “The organization was so good to me; gave me a chance, traded for me, put me with good and talented players the past few years here. I love it, love it here. Nothing has changed. Other than not making the playoffs, nothing has changed.”

Jagr owns 16 goals and 27 assists in 79 games with the Panthers this season. He now sits third in career goals, fifth in career assists and second in career points – he sits first among active players in all three categories.

He sits 36 goals behind Gordie Howe for second all-time and is 23 assists back of Ray Bourque for fourth all-time. He trails Wayne Gretzky by 946 points for the all-time mark in that category.

Jagr, however, said Monday his focus is on reaching on the playoffs and put the blame on himself and his teammates for not reaching the postseason this year.

“It wasn’t easy, but we’re professionals and we have to take it as it is,” Jagr said. “It’s our fault. We are the guys to be blamed. Everyone. But hopefully the guys who stay here, who play here next year learn from this. It’s not fun playing in these games and everyone should remember that.

“Even though we’re professional, and you should give 100 per cent and have motivation in your own game, you need motivation to make the playoffs. We have nothing to play for, just pride. We have to learn from that. You don’t want that feeling again.”

Jagr has won the Stanley Cup twice in his career, back-to-back with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1991 and 1992.