They say age is just a number, and there are always at least a few NHL players each season proving that to be true.
The average age of active players across the NHL in 2022-23 is 27 years, with the league's oldest player, Craig Anderson of the Buffalo Sabres, still on the ice at the age of 41.
The oldest player in league history is Gordie Howe, who played his final NHL game for the Hartford Whalers on April 11, 1980, at 52 years of age. His ability to stay on the ice into his 50s was obviously out of the ordinary, but there are still a few players proving that hockey isn't just for the young guys.
*Note, all ages are as of the 2022-23 season opener.
Ranking Oldest NHL Players in 2022-23
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| PLAYER | TEAM | AGE |
|---|---|---|
| Craig Anderson | Buffalo Sabres | 41 years |
| Mike Smith | Edmonton Oilers | 40 years |
| Mark Giordano | Toronto Maple Leafs | 39 years |
| Joe Pavelski | Dallas Stars | 38 years |
| Zach Parise | New York Islanders | 38 years |
| Marc-Andre Fleury | Minnesota Wild | 37 years |
| Jeff Carter | Pittsburgh Penguins | 37 years |
| Ryan Suter | Dallas Stars | 37 years |
| Pierre-Edouard Bellemare | Tampa Bay Lightning | 37 years |
| Brent Burns | Carolina Hurricanes | 37 years |
| Brian Elliott | Tampa Bay Lightning | 37 years |
| Patrice Bergeron | Boston Bruins | 37 years |
| Alex Goligoski | Minnesota Wild | 37 years |