Who is the oldest NHL player in 2025? 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 playing in the NHL during 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.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the five oldest active NHL players in 2025 and the type of impact they are 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 has been historic for Ovechkin as he closes in on Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goal record. Through March 2025, Ovi has buried 34 goals with 21 helpers for 55 points. He scored his 886th career goal on March 10, putting him just nine goals away from breaking Gretzky’s record of 894.
What makes this feat even more impressive is that Ovechkin missed significant time earlier in the season due to a broken fibula. He also became the first player in NHL history to record at least 200 goals in three different decades, cementing his status as one of hockey’s all-time greats.
4. Corey Perry (39), 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 39-year-old has skated for the Ducks, Stars, Canadiens, Lightning, Blackhawks, and now Oilers, reaching five Cup Finals (winning only in ’07). Perry’s 400+ goals and 900+ points highlight his scoring and agitating style.
In the 2024-25 season with Edmonton, Perry has chipped in 15 goals and 8 assists for 23 points through 66 games. Averaging 11:39 minutes per game, he continues to bring veteran leadership and playoff experience to the Oilers, contributing 23 points and a +9 rating while aiding their playoff push after a Cup Final loss in 2024. While not a top-line star anymore, his intangibles remain clutch.
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 800+ points. Known for his booming shot and durability, the 39-year-old Burns remains a key piece for Carolina.
Burns continues to anchor Carolina’s defense in 2024-25, averaging 21:27 minutes per game. Through 67 games, he’s notched 5 goals and 18 assists for 23 points, maintaining a +6 rating. His versatility and power-play contributions have kept the Hurricanes among the league’s elite, with Burns playing a critical role in their Stanley Cup contention. At 40, he shows few signs of slowing down.
2. Ryan Suter (40), St. Louis Blues
Born on January 21st, 1985, Ryan Suter is currently the oldest active NHL defenseman 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 has been a reliable depth defenseman, averaging around 20:00 minutes per game. Through 68 games, he’s contributed 1 goal and 12 assists for 13 points, with a +4 plus-minus rating. His experience has bolstered the Blues’ blueline, as the team fights to stay in the playoff race. He’s not putting up points like before, but he’s still money in his own end.
1. Marc-Andre Fleury (40), Minnesota Wild
Marc-Andre Fleury is 40 years old and officially the oldest active NHL player after announcing 2024-25 will be his final season. Born November 28th, 1984, in Quebec, Canada, Fleury is not only the oldest but one of the most accomplished and beloved goaltenders in NHL history. The veteran netminder continues tending twine for the Minnesota Wild, where he has split time with Filip Gustavsson. As of mid-March, he’s appeared in 22 games, maintaining a save percentage around .895-.905 and a goals-against average (GAA) near 2.80.
Fleury is a true example of a top NHL prospect actually living up to the hype. “The Flower” was drafted first overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft and rewarded the franchise for picking him over a top forward or defenseman. Fleury spent 13 seasons with the Penguins, helping lead the team to three Stanley Cups in 2009, 2016, and 2017. After a sensational career in Pittsburgh, the Vegas Golden Knights selected Fleury in the 2017 NHL Expansion Draft.
Surprisingly, it took until Fleury’s 15th NHL season for the esteemed goalie to be nominated for and win the Vezina Trophy in 2021 with Vegas. In a true head-scratcher, Vegas traded Fleury to the Chicago Blackhawks the following summer. During that 2021-22 season, the Blackhawks then parted with Fleury in a trade with Minnesota, where he has played the last three seasons to close out his illustrious Hall of Fame career. The veteran’s presence has stabilized the Wild’s goaltending in his final campaign, especially as the team pushes for a playoff spot in the competitive Central Division.
The NHL might belong to the kids, but these vets are showing why experience matters. The league’s elder statesmen make an undeniable impact, contributing on the ice and mentoring the next generation of stars. Marc-Andre Fleury’s steady presence in net and Alexander Ovechkin’s pursuit of history prove hockey isn’t just about speed and youth.
As the NHL moves forward, these veteran players will continue shaping the league’s future. Here’s a look at the top 10 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 | 39 | 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 | 37 | 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.
