Hockey players are a different breed. While most sports see their stars fizzle out by the time they reach their late thirties, the NHL routinely has their stars shine well into their forties. Hockey players play the game with grit and resilience, unlike any other athlete. Maybe that’s why they boast some of the oldest professional athletes in the history of North American team sports.
Age: 45 years, 319 days
Teams: Pittsburgh Penguins, New York Rangers, Washington Capitals, Florida Panthers, New Jersey Devils, Philadelphia Flyers, Boston Bruins, Dallas Stars, Calgary Flames
Fun fact: He inspired a legion of fans, known as the Traveling Jagrs, who would attend games dressed as him.
Age: 45 years, 42 days
Teams: Boston Bruins, New York Islanders, Ottawa Senators, Washington Capitals
Fun fact: In addition to his native tongue, he also speaks Czech, Polish, Swedish, Russian, German, and English.
Age: 44 years, 100 days
Teams: Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers, Detroit Red Wings, St. Louis Blues
Fun fact: He owned a restaurant in Montreal.
Age: 44 years, 99 days
Teams: New York Rangers
Fun fact: His son Lynn, and grandson, Craig, were both inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Age: 44 years, 39 days
Teams: Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Rangers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Buffalo Sabres
Fun fact: Yes, he’s the Tim Horton behind the Tim Horton’s chain.
Age: 43 years, 317 days
Teams: Winnipeg Jets, Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, San Jose Sharks, Columbus Blue Jackets, Anaheim Ducks
Fun fact: He owned four restaurants in Finland.
Age: 42 years, 134 days
Teams: Detroit Red Wings, Vancouver Canucks, San Jose Sharks, Florida Panthers, New Jersey Devils
Fun fact: He has his own line of wines.
