Who is the oldest player in NHL right now? The new generation of hockey players is making their mark, but the veterans will always have a place.
There are three NHL players who are 40 years old still playing in the 2024-2025 season, with three additional players aged 39. Despite the average retirement age being 28-30, these warriors are still making an impact for their respective clubs in their twilight years.
Let’s take a look at the five oldest active NHL players currently and the impact they’re making for their teams.
Here are the oldest active NHL players in 2025:
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5. Alexander Ovechkin (39), Washington Capitals
At age 39, Alexander Ovechkin continues his legendary career as one of the greatest goal-scorers in NHL history. The longtime Washington Capitals captain has won numerous awards, including multiple Hart Trophies and Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophies. He led the Capitals to their first Stanley Cup championship in 2017-18, earning the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP.
The 2024-25 season was historic for Ovechkin. On April 6, 2025, in front of a sellout crowd at UBS Arena, Ovi broke Wayne Gretzky’s all-time NHL goal record with his 895th career goal against the New York Islanders. The goal came on the power play from his office in the left circle, with Gretzky himself in attendance.
Ovechkin finished the regular season with 897 goals after scoring 44 in just 65 games – tying Gordie Howe for the most goals by a player aged 39 or older in a single season. What makes this even more impressive is that he missed significant time with a broken fibula earlier in the season. He also became the first player in NHL history to record at least 200 goals in three different decades, cementing his status as the greatest goal scorer of all time.
4. Corey Perry (40), Edmonton Oilers
Drafted 28th overall by Anaheim in 2003, Corey Perry is a gritty forward with a 2007 Stanley Cup, a 2011 Hart Trophy (MVP), and over 1,300 games played. The 40-year-old has skated for the Ducks, Stars, Canadiens, Lightning, Blackhawks, and now Oilers, reaching six Cup Finals (winning only in ’07). Perry’s 400+ goals and 900+ points highlight his scoring and agitating style.
Perry has been clutch in the playoffs. Re-signed to a one-year, $1.4 million deal after helping the Oilers reach the Stanley Cup Finals in 2024, he’s now in his SIXTH Stanley Cup Final – the first player to reach the Finals with five different franchises.
Perry set an NHL record with seven playoff goals this spring – the most by any player age 39 or older (at the start of the playoffs) in a single postseason. He’s been clutch throughout Edmonton’s run, scoring big goals including the series-clincher against Dallas. Now he’s looking to win his second Cup after losing four straight Finals appearances. Talk about determination at 40 years old.
3. Brent Burns (40), Carolina Hurricanes
Selected 20th overall by Minnesota in 2003, Brent Burns transitioned from forward to defenseman, becoming one of the NHL’s top offensive blueliners. With over 1,400 games for the Wild, Sharks, and Hurricanes, he won the 2017 Norris Trophy and has 900+ points. Known for his booming shot and durability, the 40-year-old Burns remains a key piece for Carolina.
Burns continues to anchor Carolina’s defense in 2024-25, averaging around 21 minutes per game. Through 82 games, he notched 6 goals and 23 assists for 29 points, maintaining a plus-7 rating. His versatility and power-play contributions kept the Hurricanes among the league’s elite throughout the season.
The Hurricanes made it to the Eastern Conference Finals for the second time in three years, but fell to the Florida Panthers in five games. At 40, Burns shows few signs of slowing down and remains one of the most recognizable players in the league with his signature missing-tooth grin. He’s now an unrestricted free agent heading into what could be his final NHL season.
2. Ryan Suter (40), St. Louis Blues
Born on January 21st, 1985, Ryan Suter is currently one of the oldest active NHL defensemen at age 40. Suter has suited up for numerous teams throughout his NHL career, but he recently signed a one-year contract worth $775,000 with the Blues ahead of the 2024-25 season. During the previous campaign in 2023-24, Suter played for Dallas before they bought out the remaining year of his contract.
Suter was drafted 7th overall by the Nashville Predators in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. The workhorse blueliner spent seven years in Music City before signing a massive 13-year $98 million contract with the Minnesota Wild as a free agent in July 2012. Suter was excellent during most of his time in Minnesota, averaging close to 30 minutes per night and finishing second in Norris Trophy voting in 2013.
In 2024-25 with St. Louis, the veteran Suter was a reliable depth defenseman, averaging around 19:28 minutes per game. Through 82 games, he contributed 2 goals and 13 assists for 15 points, with a plus-7 rating. His experience bolstered the Blues’ blueline, though the team missed the playoffs. He’s the active leader in games played with 1,526, 19th all-time in NHL history. Not bad for a guy who’s still grinding it out at 40.
1. Marc-Andre Fleury (40), Minnesota Wild – RETIRED
Marc-Andre Fleury was 40 years old and the oldest NHL player currently active when he announced before the 2024-25 season that it would be his final campaign. Born November 28th, 1984, in Quebec, Canada, Fleury was the oldest player in the NHL and one of the most beloved goaltenders in hockey history.
The veteran netminder played his farewell season with the Minnesota Wild, splitting time with Filip Gustavsson. Through 23 games, he posted a 12-9-1 record with a .903 save percentage and a 2.78 goals-against average before the Wild were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Vegas Golden Knights – the team where he won the Vezina Trophy in 2021.
Fleury retired as a true NHL legend. “The Flower” was drafted first overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft and rewarded the franchise by helping lead the team to three Stanley Cups in 2009, 2016, and 2017. After a sensational career that included stops in Pittsburgh, Vegas, Chicago, and Minnesota, Fleury finished with 575 wins (second all-time), a .912 save percentage, and 2.60 GAA over 1,051 career games. His Hall of Fame induction is just a formality!
The NHL might belong to the kids, but these vets are showing why experience matters. With the Stanley Cup Finals currently underway between Edmonton and Florida, 40-year-old Corey Perry is proving age is just a number as he chases his second championship. Meanwhile, Alexander Ovechkin’s record-breaking season shows these elder statesmen still have plenty left in the tank.
As the NHL moves forward, these veteran players continue shaping the league’s future. Here’s a look at the full list of oldest players in the 2024-25 season:
Full List of Oldest NHL Players in 2025
| Rank | Name | Age | Position | Team | Birthday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marc-Andre Fleury* | 40 | G | MIN | November 28, 1984 |
| 2 | Ryan Suter | 40 | D | STL | January 21, 1985 |
| 3 | Brent Burns | 40 | D | CAR | March 9, 1985 |
| 4 | Corey Perry | 40 | RW | EDM | May 16, 1985 |
| 5 | Alexander Ovechkin | 39 | LW | WSH | September 17, 1985 |
| 6 | Jonathan Quick | 39 | G | NYR | January 21, 1986 |
| 7 | Evgeni Malkin | 38 | C | PIT | July 31, 1986 |
| 8 | Derek Ryan | 38 | C | EDM | December 29, 1986 |
| 9 | Trevor Lewis | 38 | RW | LAK | January 8, 1987 |
| 10 | Jack Johnson | 38 | D | CBJ | January 13, 1987 |
| 11 | Ryan Reaves | 38 | RW | TOR | January 20, 1987 |
| 12 | Marc-Edouard Vlasic | 38 | D | SJS | March 30, 1987 |
| 13 | Kristopher Letang | 37 | D | PIT | April 24, 1987 |
| 14 | Cameron Talbot | 37 | G | DET | July 5, 1987 |
| 15 | Alec Martinez | 37 | D | CHI | July 26, 1987 |
| 16 | Sidney Crosby | 37 | C | PIT | August 7, 1987 |
| 17 | Anze Kopitar | 37 | C | LAK | August 24, 1987 |
| 18 | Mats Zuccarello | 37 | RW | MIN | September 1, 1987 |
| 19 | Nick Foligno | 37 | LW | CHI | October 31, 1987 |
| 20 | Jeff Petry | 37 | D | DET | December 9, 1987 |
This table shows you just how long these vets have stuck around, with every guy in the top 20 being at least 37 years old. Pretty wild when you think about it. These guys are still bringing it night after night when most players their age are on the golf course or in the broadcast booth.
The game keeps getting faster and younger, but these old-timers are still showing the kids how it’s done. That’s why fans love ’em and why the young guys in the room are always all ears when they speak up.
