By While this sport mainly consists of young players, other players defied age. Like most sports, it’s not anything unusual to see players in their late 30s or early to mid-40s on the field, but mind you there aren’t a lot of them and it’s always good to see such players giving it their all as if they’re at the peak of their career.
So today in this article, we will take a look at 7 of the oldest NHL players to look out for.
1. Craig Anderson
Full name: Craig Peter Anderson
Born: May 21, 1981 (age 41)
Place of birth: Park Ridge, Illinois, U.S.
Height: 6 ft 2 in (188 cm)
Weight: 180 lb (82 kg; 12 st 12 lb)
Position: Goaltender
Current NHL team: Buffalo Sabres
Craig Anderson is an American pro ice hockey player who plays in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the team Buffalo Sabres. Anderson also previously played for Chicago Blackhawks, Florida Panthers, Colorado Avalanche, Ottawa Senators, and Washington Capitals. As of February 2023, he is currently the oldest player who still actively participates in the NHL at the age of 41 and the final player to have been picked in the 1990s. Anderson is also one of the sole NHL goaltenders to have triumphed over 300 matches in their profession.
2. Mike Smith
Full name: Mike Smith
Born: March 22, 1982 (age 40)
Place of birth: Kingston, Ontario, Canada
Height: 6 ft 5 in (196 cm)
Weight: 220 lb (100 kg; 15 st 10 lb)
Position: Goaltender
Current NHL team: Edmonton Oilers
The 40-year-old Canadian is a pro ice hockey goaltender who plays in the National Hockey League for the Edmonton Oilers. He was also previously a part of the Dallas Stars, Tampa Bay Lightning, Phoenix/Arizona Coyotes, and the Calgary Flames. As of now, he is the eleventh goaltender in the history of the NHL to achieve a goal, which he accomplished back in the 2013 to 2014 season over the Detroit Red Wings. He is a 2x NHL All-Star and a gold medalist which he won at the 2014 Winter Olympics. Smith also represents the Canadian national team.
3. Mark Giordano
Full name: Mark Giordano
Born: October 3, 1983 (age 39)
Place of birth: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Height: 6 ft 0 in (183 cm)
Weight: 205 lb (93 kg; 14 st 9 lb)
Position: Defence
Current NHL team: Toronto Maple Leafs
The 39-year-old Canadian defenseman plays in the National Hockey League (League) for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Giordano is currently the third-oldest active player in the NHL. He also previously played for the Calgary Flames and the Seattle Kraken. Being known for his continuous charitable works, the Flames honored him and he was declared the recipient of the J. R. “Bud” McCaig Award in 2012. Giordano also represents the Canada national squad.
4. Joe Pavelski
Full name: Joseph James Pavelski
Born: July 11, 1984 (age 38)
Place of birth: Plover, Wisconsin, U.S.
Height: 5 ft 11 in (180 cm)
Weight: 195 lb (88 kg; 13 st 13 lb)
Position: Center / Right Wing
Current NHL team: Dallas Stars
Currently playing in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Dallas Stars, Pavelski is the fourth-oldest NHL player. He was also previously a part of the San Jose Sharks for thirteen years and for the last four remaining years, he served as the Sharks’ captain. He also represents the US national team.
5. Zach Parise
Full name: Zachary Justin Parise
Born: July 28, 1984 (age 38)
Place of birth: Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.
Height: 5 ft 11 in (180 cm)
Weight: 196 lb (89 kg; 14 st 0 lb)
Position: Left wing
Current NHL team: New York Islanders
Zach Praise is an American pro ice hockey left winger who plays in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the New York Islanders. He was previously a part of the New Jersey Devils and Minnesota Wild. He is currently the fifth oldest NHL player. He also represents the US national squad.
6. Marc-Andre Fleury
Full name: Marc-André Fleury
Born: November 28, 1984 (age 38)
Place of birth: Sorel-Tracy, Quebec, Canada
Height: 6 ft 2 in (188 cm)
Weight: 180 lb (82 kg; 12 st 12 lb)
Position: Goaltender
Current NHL team: Minnesota Wild
The Canadian ice hockey goaltender plays in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Minnesota Wild. Fleury was also a part of thePittsburgh Penguins, Vegas Golden Knights, and Chicago Blackhawks. At age 38, he is currently the sixth oldest NHL player. Fleury also represents the Canadian national team.
7. Jeff Carter
Full name: Jeffrey J. Carter
Born: January 1, 1985 (age 38)
Place of birth: London, Ontario, Canada
Height: 6 ft 4 in (193 cm)
Weight: 217 lb (98 kg; 15 st 7 lb)
Position: Centre/Right Wing
Current NHL team: Pittsburgh Penguins
Jeff Carter is a Canadian pro ice hockey player who plays in the NHL for the Pittsburgh Penguins. He was a part of the Philadelphia Flyers, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Los Angeles Kings. In the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, he was drafted eleventh overall pick by the Flyers. He also represents the Canadian national squad.
